The Core
Nansen cut a cat in two in a Koan. Usually, people say that this Koan shows a mind without any attachment. However, in this dictionary, we define it as a practical lesson: "Cut the chains of words, common sense, and logic."
Q&A
- Q: Why did Nansen cut a cat in two?
- A: Many monks were arguing about the cat using difficult words and logic. Nansen said to them, "Tell me something about this cat! Say it now!" No one could say anything, so he cut a cat in two. He wanted to show a simple truth: if you cannot say the most important thing, arguing is useless. He taught the monks to break free from the chains of thinking and logic through his action.
