Mumonkan

CASE 16. UMMON'S SEVEN-FOLD ROBE Ummon said, "The world is vast and wide; for what is it you put on your seven-piece robe at the sound of the bell?" Mumon's Comment: When one meditates and studies Zen, one extinguishes the attachment to sound and color. Even though some have attained enlightenment by hearing a sound, or an awakening by seeing a color, these are ordinary matters. Those who intend to master Zen freely master sounds or colors, see clearly the nature of things and every activity of mind. Even though this is so, now tell me: Does the sound come to the ear, or does the ear go to the sound? But when both sound and silence are forgotten, what would you call this state? If you listen with your ear, it is hard to hear truly, but if you listen with your eye, then you begin to hear properly. If you are awakened, all things are one and the same, If you are not awakened, all things are varied and distinguished. If you are not awakened, all things are one and the same, If you are awakened, all things are varied and distinguished.