Koan by Zen-Master Mumon
Zuigan Calls His Own Master
Zuigan called out to himself every day: "Master."
Then he answered himself: "Yes, sir."
And after that he added: "Become sober."
Again he answered: "Yes, sir."
"And after that," he continued, "do not be deceived by others."
"Yes, sir; yes, sir," he answered.
Mumon's Comment
Old Zuigan sells out and buys himself. He is opening a puppet show. He uses one mask to call ´Master`and another that answers the master. Another mask says ´Sober up` and another, ´Don't be cheated by others.` If anyone clings to any of his masks, he is mistaken, yet if he imitates Zuigan, he will make himself fox-like.
Mumon's Verse
Some Zen students do not realize the true man in a mask
Because they recognize ego-soul.
Ego-soul is the seed of birth and death,
And foolish people call it the true man.
