14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
Nansen saw the monks of the eastern and western halls fighting over a cat. He seized the cat and told the monks: "If any of you say a good word, you can save the cat."

No one answered. So Nansen boldly cut the cat in two pieces.

That evening Joshu returned and Nansen told him about this. Joshu removed his sandals and, placing them on his head, walked out.

Nansen said: "If you had been there, you could have saved the cat."

Mumon’s comment: Why did Joshu put his sandals on his head? If anyone answers this question, he will understand exactly how Nansen enforced the edict. If not, he should watch his own head.

Had Joshu been there,
He would have enforced the edict oppositely.
Joshu snatches the sword
And Nansen begs for his life.

CONTEXT(Help)
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The Gateless Gate »The Gateless Gate
14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
01. Joshu's Dog »01. Joshu's Dog
07. Joshu Washes a Bowl »07. Joshu Washes a Bowl
11. Joshu Examines a Monk in Meditation »11. Joshu Examines a Monk in Meditation
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
31. Joshu Investigates »31. Joshu Investigates
38. An Oak Tree In The Garden »38. An Oak Tree In The Garden
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
27. It Is Not Mind, It Is Not Buddha, It Is Not Things »27. It Is Not Mind, It Is Not Buddha, It Is Not Things
34. Learning Is Not The Path »34. Learning Is Not The Path
01. Joshu's Dog »01. Joshu's Dog
07. Joshu Washes a Bowl »07. Joshu Washes a Bowl
11. Joshu Examines a Monk in Meditation »11. Joshu Examines a Monk in Meditation
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
31. Joshu Investigates »31. Joshu Investigates
38. An Oak Tree In The Garden »38. An Oak Tree In The Garden
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
27. It Is Not Mind, It Is Not Buddha, It Is Not Things »27. It Is Not Mind, It Is Not Buddha, It Is Not Things
34. Learning Is Not The Path »34. Learning Is Not The Path
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