Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 27 – Zen Master Nansen’s «Not Mind, Not Buddha, Not Things»

The Case

A monk asked zen master Nansen, "Is there any - that has not been preached to the people?" Nansen answered, "There is." "What is the truth that has not been taught?" asked the monk. Nansen said, "It is not mind; it is not Buddha; it is not things."

Mumon's Comment

At this question, Nansen used up all his treasure and was not a little confused.

Verse

Talking too much spoils the virtue; Silence is truly unequaled, Let the mountains become the sea; I'll give you no comment.