Original face

The phrase "original face" originates in Huangbo's Chuanhsin fayao (857) and the Hui-sin edition (967) of the Platform Sutra: This question appears in case 23 of the Mumonkan: This koan is transformed in the question == Interpretation ==

According to Victor Hori, the "original face" points to "the nonduality of subject and object": Comparable statements are: "Look at the flower and the flower also looks"; "Guest and host interchange". According to Victor Hori, it is not "pure consciousness", as it is often understood in western thinking, reached by "cleaning the doors of perception": == Comments ==

Zen masters have commented on the original face: {{blockquote|"Sweep away thoughts!" means one must do zazen. Once thoughts are quieted, the Original Face appears. Thoughts can be compared to clouds. When clouds vanish, the moon appears. The moon of suchness is the Original Face. Thoughts are also like the fogging of a mirror. When you wipe away all condensation, a mirror reflects clearly. Quiet your thoughts and behold your Original Face before you were born! {{Poemquote On intellectual understanding, Pursuing words and Following after speech. Learn the backward Step that turns Your light inward To illuminate within. Body and mind of themselves Will drop away And your original face will be manifest. {{Poemquote You cannot praise it enough or perceive it. No place can be found in which To put the Original Face; It will not disappear even When the universe is destroyed. == Artistic impressions ==

Philip Whalen The American poet Philip Whalen has written a poem, Metaphysical Insomnia Jazz Mumonkan xxix, inspired by the Original Face-koan: Keith Kumasen has commented on this poem. Stuart Davis The American Buddhist musician Stuart Davis has recorded a song called "Original Face". The chorus goes: == See also ==