05/13/2026
Hekiganroku, case 16: Kyôsei and "Picking and Pecking"
The way knows no side roads, the one who stands on it is alone and lofty. The dharma is beyond seeing and hearing, it transcends by far words and thoughts. If you pass the jungle of thorns, untie the bonds of buddhas and patriarchs and attain the region of secrecy, then heavenly deities find no way to offer flowers, nor will non-Buddhists see a gate to spy through. You act all day without ever acting, talk all day without ever talking. In complete freedom you will be able to develop the activities of picking and pecking and wield the sword that kills and gives life.
Even if you become like this, you must know that in guiding others you should raise up with one hand while pressing down with the other. Then you will fit the matter a bit. Yet, when it comes to the essential matter, that has nothing to do with these things. What is the essential matter? I will try to cite an example, look!
Case:
A monk asked Kyôsei, "I, your student, am picking from inside the shell. I beg you, Master, please peck from outside." Kyôsei said, "But will you be alive or not?" The monk said, "If I were not alive, people would all laugh." Kyôsei said, "You fool in the weeds!"
Verse:
The ancient buddha has his own family style;
The response led to a detraction.
Chick and hen never know each other;
Who picks and pecks at the same time?
Tap! Rap! Yet he is still inside the shell.
Once again he meets a blow.
All monks under heaven grope around in vain.
