One Cane vs. Three Canes

Master Xuansha Shibei (835–908 CE) was a prominent Chan (Zen) master of the Tang Dynasty. He and Master Xuefeng Yicun were Dharma brothers under the same teacher.

Master Xuansha Shibei said to Master Xuefeng Yicun: “Do you have a walking stick? I seek to borrow one.”
Xuefeng generously replied: “I have three canes — take one.”
Xuansha exclaimed: “Each person has but one cane — why do you possess three?”
Xuefeng explained: “Three serve three purposes.”

Xuansha countered: “So be it — but I use them differently.”
Xuefeng asked: “How then do you use them?”
Xuansha declared: “Three are one.”

Xuefeng objected:
“Three are three; one is one.
Three isn’t one; one isn’t three.
To call three one or one three — is like a field all may cultivate,
sustaining everyone alike.
How can you reduce it to ‘three are one’?”

Xuansha challenged: “What field do you speak of?”
Xuefeng drew a rectangle in the air: “Behold! This is the field!”
Xuansha said: “It is so — yet I wouldn’t say this.”
Xuefeng demanded: “Why not?”

Xuansha concluded:
“Each tends their own affairs. Each resolves their own birth-death; each eats their own fill.
Bodhidharma never came east; Huike never went west.
What comes, comes; what goes, goes.
Aid others with one cane — don’t burden them with three!”

Philosophical Notes

The Cane as Upāya (Skillful Means):

Xuefeng’s three canes represent adaptable teachings for diverse needs, while Xuansha’s “three are one” insists on ultimate unity beyond forms.

The Illusory Field:

Xuefeng’s “field drawn in air” symbolizes mind-made distinctions (three/one, coming/going). Xuansha rejects describing it — because suchness transcends conceptual grids.

One Cane of Suchness:

Xuansha’s final teaching cuts all dependency:

“Bodhidharma never came east” >> Truth isn’t imported

“Aid with one cane” >> Liberation through simplicity (direct insight > complex doctrines)

Chan Essence:

The dialogue embodies Zen’s paradox:

Xuefeng affirms multiplicity (three canes for three needs)

Xuansha negates all counts (“three are one,” then dissolves even “one”)