One gains, one loses

Master Nanquan Puyuan (748–834 CE) was a revered Chinese Chan (Zen) master of the Tang Dynasty, known for his profound teachings and role in shaping the Linji (Rinzai) school of Chan Buddhism. He was a student of Baizhang Huaihai, another great Chan master, and is celebrated for his direct and often paradoxical methods to guide students toward enlightenment.

Master Nanquan Puyuan asked a student monk:
“Last night’s wind was strong?”
The monk echoed: “Last night’s wind was strong.”
Nanquan: “It broke the pine before the gate.”
The monk parroted: “It broke the pine before the gate.”

Nanquan then asked his attendant:
“Last night’s wind was strong.”
The attendant inquired: “What kind of wind?”
Nanquan: “It broke the pine before the gate.”
The attendant questioned: “What kind of pine?”
Nanquan sighed deeply:
“One gains, one loses!”

Later, Nanquan asked the student monk:
“What will you do in the future?”
The monk: “Do nothing!”
Nanquan: “You should serve all beings like an ox or horse!”
The monk echoed: “Serve all beings like an ox or horse!”

Nanquan turned to the attendant:
“What will you do?”
The attendant: “Become a master like you!”
Nanquan: “You should serve all beings like an ox or horse!”
The attendant retorted: “Why serve like an ox or horse?”
Nanquan surveyed them and exclaimed:
“One gains, one loses!”

Philosophical Notes

Echo vs. Inquiry: Two Paths to Delusion:

The monk’s mechanical repetition = Dead Zen – clinging to forms without understanding.

The attendant’s intellectual questioning = Conceptual trap – chasing answers obscures immediate truth.

“Serve Like an Ox” as Liberating Paradox:

Nanquan’s command embodies:

Selfless action >> “Doing nothing” is serving all beings when free from ego.

Equality beyond status >> Rejecting the attendant’s ambition to “become a master.”

“Gain and Loss” Beyond Duality:

Nanquan’s sigh reveals neither is “right”:

The monk gained non-attachment but lost living wisdom.

The attendant gained curiosity but lost effortless compassion.

True Zen transcends both imitation and analysis.

Zen Essence:

“Why serve like an ox?” misses the point—just as “What kind of pine?” does.
Serving isn’t explained; it’s done without “why.”