David Given Schwarm

Ummon asked: `The world is such a wide world, why do you answer a bell and don ceremonial robes?’ Mumon’s Comment: When one studies Zen one need not follow sound or colour or form. Even though some have attained insight when hearing a voice or seeing a colour or a form, this is a very…

Tozan went to Ummon. Ummon asked him where he had come from. Tozan said: `From Sato village.’ Ummon asked: `In what temple did you remain for the summer?’ Tozan replied: `The temple of Hoji, south of the lake.’ `When did you leave there?’ asked Ummon, wondering how long Tozan would continue with such factual answers.…

Nansen saw the monks of the eastern and western halls fighting over a cat. He seized the cat and told the monks: `If any of you say a good word, you can save the cat.’ No one answered. So Nansen boldly cut the cat in two pieces. That evening Joshu returned and Nansen told him…