A monk once approached the great Zen Master Joshu and asked a question that touched upon the heart of Buddhist doctrine: 'Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?' According to traditional teachings, all sentient beings possess the potential for enlightenment. However, Joshu did not provide a philosophical explanation or a simple affirmative. Instead, he looked at the monk and uttered a single word: 'Mu.' This 'Nothingness' was not a literal denial, but a strike against the monk's dualistic thinking, forcing him to look beyond the intellect and experience truth directly through the barrier of no-thingness.
True understanding transcends logical 'yes' or 'no' answers; one must go beyond dualistic thinking to experience the ultimate nature of reality.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Joshu's Dog?
The story teaches that spiritual truth cannot be reached through logic or binary 'yes or no' thinking. It encourages seekers to bypass the intellect to experience reality directly.
What does 'Mu' mean in this Zen koan?
'Mu' literally translates to 'no' or 'without,' but in Zen, it represents emptiness or the void beyond dualism. It is used as a tool to cut through conceptual thought.
Who was Master Joshu?
Joshu Jushin was a renowned Chinese Zen master from the 9th century known for his sharp wit. He is a central figure in many classic koans and is famous for his 'Lips of Light.'
Why did Joshu say 'No' if all beings have Buddha-nature?
Joshu's 'Mu' was not a factual answer but a pedagogical tool. He said it to break the monk's attachment to religious concepts and intellectual categorization.
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Good night.
