Blue Cliff Record: Case 34
Master Kyozan Ejaku (Ch. Yangshan Huiji) was one of the more colorful and influential teachers during the Golden Age of Chinese Zen. Along with his teacher Isan Reiyu (Guishan Lingyou), he formed the Igyo School. It is said that Isan's and Kyozan's teacher-student relationship was exemplary.

In this koan, Kyozan presents a standard "probing pole" used by Zen teachers. In a seemingly innocent way the master asks his students to express their deepest understanding. It also highlights how casual interactions between teachers and students can be of profound importance in helping one on the path to spiritual discovery. It is a short step from there to the appreciation that each and every situation is an opportunity for our awakening.

Volume 15 of the Mountain Light Video Library. DVD