Culture

Famous Zen Koans

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Source:Community curated
Updated:4/9/2026
13/13
Koan
Collection
Attributed Master
Era
Theme
Mu
Gateless Gate, Case 1Zhaozhou (Joshu)Tang Dynasty, 9th c.Buddha-nature
Sound of one hand
Hakuin's koansHakuin EkakuEdo Japan, 18th c.Non-duality
Original face
Platform SutraHuinengTang Dynasty, 7th c.True self
Wash your bowl
Gateless Gate, Case 7ZhaozhouTang Dynasty, 9th c.Everyday mind
Cypress tree in the garden
Gateless Gate, Case 37ZhaozhouTang Dynasty, 9th c.Direct pointing
Nansen kills the cat
Blue Cliff Record, Case 63Nansen FuganTang Dynasty, 9th c.Attachment
Does a dog have Buddha-nature
Book of Serenity, Case 18ZhaozhouTang Dynasty, 9th c.Yes and no
Tozan's sixty blows
Blue Cliff Record, Case 12Tozan RyokaiTang Dynasty, 9th c.Responsibility
Ummon's dried shit stick
Gateless Gate, Case 21Ummon Bun'enTang Dynasty, 10th c.Shock
Kyogen's man up a tree
Gateless Gate, Case 5Kyogen ChikanTang Dynasty, 9th c.Impossible bind
Buffalo through the window
Gateless Gate, Case 38Goso HoenSong Dynasty, 11th c.Stuck
Not the wind, not the flag
Gateless Gate, Case 29HuinengTang Dynasty, 7th c.Mind only
Gutei's finger
Gateless Gate, Case 3GuteiTang Dynasty, 9th c.One gesture

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