Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
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 about this. Joshu
removed his sandals and, placing them on his head, walked out.
Nansen said: `If you had been there, you could have saved the cat.'
Mumon's Comment: Why did Joshu put his sandals on his head? If
anyone answers this question, he will understand exactly how Nansen
enforced the edict. If not, he should watch his own head.
Had Joshu been there,
He would have enforced the edict oppositely.
Joshu snatches the sword
And Nansen begs for his life.
Gnosis's Comment: Two bits of information
that may not be immediately apparent to the
Western reader:
A Zen koan from the classic collection The Gateless Gate.
Original transcription by Ben Walter and Adam Fuller of iBiblio.