Zen Koans for Everyday: Manjushri Enters the Gate

A Practice with Koans from the book, "Zen Koans" by Rev. Gyomay Kubose

Today’s Koan: “Manjushri Enters the Gate” – The Iron Flute, Case 1

Happy New Year! I think this koan is a great one to reflect on as you start the new year.

One day as Manjushri stood outside the gate, the Buddha called to him, “Manjushri, Manjushri, why do you not enter?”

Manjushri relied, “I do not see myself outside. Why enter?”

Some background: In Buddh…