CASE 77: Kyôzan: As His Profession Requires

A monk asked Kyôzan, “Your Reverence, do you know letters or not?”

Kyôzan said,”According to my capacity.”

The monk immediately turned around once clockwise and said, “What letter is this?”

Kyôzan drew the ideograph for “10” [ + ] in the earth.

The monk turned himself around once counter-clockwise and said, “What letter is that?”

Kyôzan modified the sign” + ” into a swastika [卍].

The monk drew a circle in the air and lifted his two palms like Asura vigorously holding the sun and moon and said, “What letter is that?”

Kyôzan immediately drew a circle enclosing the swastika.

The monk at once represented the vigor of a Rucika.

Kyôzan said, “Good, good. Keep it with care.”