The robe and the bowl

By Staff

Friday, April 3, 2009, 17:09

Mokugen's visage never wore a smile until his last day on the earth. When the time approached for him to leave the body he told his pupils : " Since you have studied ten years of Zen under me, show me your real interpretation of Zen. Whoever expresses this most clearly will become my successor and I will give my robe and the bowl"

The pupils watched Mokugen's severe face, but kept mum.

Encho who had spent a long period of time with the master came to his bedside and pushed forward the medicine cup a few inches. In this way he answered the command of the master.

Mokugen's face became all the more severe and asked "Is that all your understand?"

Encho in return moved the cup back again.

Mokugen's face broke into a beautiful smile.

He said "You rascal, you worked with me ten years and still not seen my whole body. Take the robe and the bowl. They are yours!"