[Updates & News] [Poetry & Stories] [A Buddhist Web-journal] [Theravada Writings] [Zen / Ch'an Writings] [Buddhist Webrings] [Buddhist Links] [About this Page] [Home]

The Blue Cliff Record

Case 24: Isan and Iron Grindstone Lu

Introduction

Stand on the summit of the highest peak and demons and outsiders cannot know you. Walk on the bottom of the deepest sea and even the Buddha's eye cannot catch sight of you. Even if your eyes are like shooting stars and your intellect is like flashing lightning, still you won't avoid being like the spirit tortoise dragging his tail leaving traces. At this point, what is proper? To test I site this old case. Listen.

The Case

Iron Grindstone Lu arrived at Isan's, Isan said, 'Old cow, so you've come.' (Check a probing pole, a reed shade, where should you look to see the obscurity.)

The Grindstone said, 'Tomorrow there's a great communal feast on Taizan, are you going to go teacher?' (In China they beat the drum, in Korea they dance - The arrow is sharp to no purpose)

Isan relaxed his body and lay down. (The arrow got him. Where will you see Isan?)

The Grindstone immediately left. (She’s gone. She saw the opportunity and acted. How will you understand this?)

Verse

Once riding an iron horse she entered the fortress.

The edict comes down reporting that the six nations are cleared.

Still holding the golden whip she questions the returning traveler.

In the depths of the night, who will go along to walk the royal road?

Addtional Verse by Seppo

Standing on the summit of the highest peak, unknown to demons and outsiders.

Walking on the bottom of the deepest sea unseen even by the Buddha’s eyes