To Save A Cat

A Zen Koan.

The famous Zen master Nansen saw two groups of monks arguing over the ownership of a cat.

He approached the group, picked up the cat, and waved it in the air in front of them.

“Say a good word if you want to save the cat” — Nansen said to the group.

Nobody said a word.

Nansen took the cat to the kitchen and chopped him in half. He gave one-half to each of the groups.

That night, a fellow student — Joshu — returned from the village. His peers told him what happened.

Joshu said nothing. Instead, he took off his sandals, balanced them on top of his head, and walked away.

Nansen released a powerful laugh.

“HAH! Joshu could have saved the cat”