38. An Oak Tree In The Garden
A monk asked Joshu why Bodhidharma came to China. Joshu said: "An oak tree in the garden."

Mumon’s comment: If one sees Joshu's answer clearly, there is no Shakyamuni Buddha before him and no future Buddha after him.

Words cannot describe everything.
The heart's message cannot be delivered in words.
If one receives words literally, he will be lost,
If he tries to explain with words, he will not attain enlightenment in this life.

CONTEXT(Help)
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The Gateless Gate »The Gateless Gate
38. An Oak Tree In The Garden
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
14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two »14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
31. Joshu Investigates »31. Joshu Investigates
39. Ummon's Sidetrack »39. Ummon's Sidetrack
40. Tipping Over A Water Vase »40. Tipping Over A Water Vase
42. The Girl Comes Out From Meditation »42. The Girl Comes Out From Meditation
49. Amban's Addition »49. Amban's Addition
04. A Beardless Foreigner »04. A Beardless Foreigner
05. Kyogen Mounts the Tree  »05. Kyogen Mounts the Tree
41. Bodhidharma Pacifies The Mind »41. Bodhidharma Pacifies The Mind
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
14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two »14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
19. Everyday Life Is The Path »19. Everyday Life Is The Path
31. Joshu Investigates »31. Joshu Investigates
01. Joshu's Dog »01. Joshu's Dog
02. Hyakujo's Fox »02. Hyakujo's Fox
05. Kyogen Mounts the Tree  »05. Kyogen Mounts the Tree
06. Buddha Twirls a Flower »06. Buddha Twirls a Flower
09. A Buddha Before History »09. A Buddha Before History
18. Tozan's Three Pounds »18. Tozan's Three Pounds
21. Dried Dung »21. Dried Dung
22. Kashapa's Preaching Sign »22. Kashapa's Preaching Sign
23. Do Not Think Good, Do Not Think Not-Good »23. Do Not Think Good, Do Not Think Not-Good
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
30. This Mind Is Buddha »30. This Mind Is Buddha
32. A Philosopher Asks Buddha »32. A Philosopher Asks Buddha
33. This Mind Is Not Buddha »33. This Mind Is Not Buddha
34. Learning Is Not The Path »34. Learning Is Not The Path
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