Zen Masters speaking through the Staff

Chan Master Linji Yixuan was one of the most influential figures in the history of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, particularly known for founding the Linji school. His teachings emphasized direct experience over scriptural study, advocating for a practice that cuts through delusion to achieve sudden enlightenment. Linji is famous for his use of shocking techniques, such as shouting and striking, to jolt students into awakening.

When Linji Yixuan arrived at Master Jinniu’s temple, Jinniu blocked his path with a staff. Linji tapped the staff three times, then strode into the hall and sat in the head seat.

Jinniu rebuked him:
“Pilgrim monks observe decorum! Where are your manners?”
Linji replied:
“I don’t follow — didn’t my three taps greet you?”

As Jinniu frowned, Linji suddenly struck him with the staff. At that instant, Jinniu seemed to awaken — but Linji declared:
“Today isn’t my right time!”

Jinniu promptly slapped Linji’s face, roaring:
“My right time is now!”

Linji laughed wildly:
“Truly! My ‘inconvenience’ met your ‘convenience’!”

Later, Guishan asked Yangshan:
“Who won that exchange?”
Yangshan answered:
“The one above wind stays above; the one below wind stays below.”

A seated master interjected:
“Neither ‘above’ nor ‘blow’ wins. Where is wind? Where is victory?”
Guishan and Yangshan said together:
“Just as you said — waves rise without wind!”

Philosophical Notes

Beyond Ritual, Beyond Victory:

Linji’s three taps and Jinniu’s slap dissolve “manners” into direct mind-contact. Zen’s “etiquette” is awakening, not bows.

Three taps/strike/slap = Actions as language; truth transmitted beyond words.

“Convenience” as Absolute Freedom:

Linji’s “not my right time” = Rejecting fixed “enlightenment moments.”

Jinniu’s slap = Seizing the eternal now — where “convenient” and “inconvenient” collapse.

Windless Waves:

The final dialogue exposes all judgments (“who won?”) as empty noise. True Zen leaves no trace — like waves without wind.

“Waves without wind” = All conflicts are illusions. In emptiness, no “above” or “below” exists.