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The Gateless Gate · 38 of 48

38. An Oak Tree in the Garden

A monk asked Joshu why Bodhidharma came to China.

Joshu said: "An oak tree in the garden."

Mumon's comment: If one sees Joshu's answer clearly, there is no Shakyamuni Buddha before him and no future Buddha after him.

Words cannot describe everything. The heart's message cannot be delivered in words. If one receives words literally, he will be lost, If he tries to explain with words, he will not attain enlightenment in this life.

Echoes elsewhere

Essays in Zen Buddhism · Buddhismloaded with the whole system of Zen. Ummon is regarded as the foremost adept in this direction. To show the extreme laconism of his sayings, the following are quoted: When he was aManual of Zen Buddhism · Buddhismwill also see that those who understand make themselves naturally distinguishable from the rest. Later when a monk came to Ummon (Yun-men, died 949) and asked him about Gensha's se