The Core
Shoyoroku Case 23, "Luzu Faces the Wall," is a koan. In this koan, Luzu tried to answer the training monks only by facing the wall. Against this, Nanquan raised a critical question, saying, "With such a way, no one can understand."
Generally, people say, "The absolute silent state beyond words is the essence of Zen." However, this dictionary defines this koan as a practical teaching. The teaching is, "The ultimate state is beyond words and logic, but it cannot be transmitted if we only keep silent."
Q&A
- Q: Why did Luzu not speak words to the training monks, but only practice zazen facing the wall?
- A: Because he wanted to practice the ultimate no dependence on words and letters. It directly expresses the Original Face (the truth itself). The Original Face does not have any concepts or differences. It is beyond the questions of the training monks or dialogues with words.
