The Gateless Gate/Basho's Staff

by Mumon

Basho said to his disciple: "When you have a staff, I will give it to you. If you have no staff, I will take it away from you."

Mumon’s comment: When there is no bridge over the creek the staff will help me. When I return home on a moonless night the staff will accompany me. But if you call this a staff, you will enter hell like an arrow.

With this staff in my hand

I can measure the depths and shallows of the world.

The staff supports the heavens and makes firm the earth.

Everywhere it goes the true teaching will be spread.