Topic: Koans

[Nichi]

It is too clear and so it is hard to see.
A dunce once searched for a fire with a
lighted lantern.
Had he known what fire was,
He could have cooked his rice much sooner.

-   Joshu Washes the Bowl, The Gateless Gate #7
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones,  p. 176
Translated by Paul Reps and Nyogen Senzaki

[Nichi]

In this way and that I have tried to save the old pail
Since the bamboo strip was weakening and about to break
Until at last the bottom fell out.
No more water in the pail!
No more moon in the water!

             
Chiyono's enlightenment poem
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Translated by Paul Reps and Nyogen Zenzaki

[Nichi]

Zen Master Hakuin (1686-1768) painted a Dragon Staff with horsehair whisk attached. He would give this painting to his lay students who passed the Zen koan, "What is the sound of one hand clapping."

http://www.gardendigest.com/zen/quotes2.htm

[Michael]

frog on a fly screen