Story Summary
Explore the Zen koan of Joshu's Dog. When asked if a dog has Buddha-nature, Master Joshu replies with 'Mu,' challenging the limits of logical understanding.
A monk once approached the great Zen Master Joshu and asked a question that touched upon the heart of Buddhist doctrine: 'Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?' According to traditional teachings, all sentient beings possess the potential for enlightenment. However, Joshu did not provide a philosophical explanation or a simple affirmative. Instead, he looked at the monk and uttered a single word: 'Mu.' This 'Nothingness' was not a literal denial, but a strike against the monk's dualistic thinking, forcing him to look beyond the intellect and experience truth directly through the barrier of no-thingness.
The Moral
True understanding transcends logical 'yes' or 'no' answers; one must go beyond dualistic thinking to experience the ultimate nature of reality.
“A monk asked Joshu, 'Does a dog have Buddha-nature?' Joshu answered, 'Mu.'”
Fun Fact
This story is the first case in the 'Mumonkan' (The Gateless Gate), a collection of 48 koans compiled in 1228 that remains a primary text for Zen students today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Joshu's Dog?
The story teaches that spiritual truth cannot be reached through logic or binary 'yes or no' thinking. It encourages seekers to bypass the intellect to experience reality directly.
What does 'Mu' mean in this Zen koan?
'Mu' literally translates to 'no' or 'without,' but in Zen, it represents emptiness or the void beyond dualism. It is used as a tool to cut through conceptual thought.
Who was Master Joshu?
Joshu Jushin was a renowned Chinese Zen master from the 9th century known for his sharp wit. He is a central figure in many classic koans and is famous for his 'Lips of Light.'
Why did Joshu say 'No' if all beings have Buddha-nature?
Joshu's 'Mu' was not a factual answer but a pedagogical tool. He said it to break the monk's attachment to religious concepts and intellectual categorization.
Is Joshu's Dog the same as the Mu Koan?
Yes, it is famously known as the Mu Koan and is the first case in the 'Gateless Gate' collection. It is often the first koan given to students to start their training.
How do you solve the Mu koan?
In Zen practice, one does not 'solve' it with the mind. Instead, the practitioner focuses on 'Mu' until the distinction between the self and the word disappears, leading to a direct realization of emptiness.