Does even a rat have Buddha-nature? Analyzing key-phrase (Huatou) rhetoric for the Wu Gongan Article

Heine, S. (2021). Does even a rat have Buddha-nature? Analyzing key-phrase (Huatou) rhetoric for the Wu Gongan . JOURNAL OF CHINESE PHILOSOPHY, 41(3-4), 250-267. 10.1163/15406253-0410304002

cited authors

  • Heine, S

authors

abstract

  • The Wu Gongan is primarily known for its minimalist expression based on Zhaozhou's “No” (Wu) response to a monk's question of whether a dog has Buddha-nature. Crucial for the key-phrase (huatou) method of meditation of Dahui Zonggao, the term Wu is not to be analyzed through logic or poetry. However, an overemphasis on the nondiscursive quality overlooks sophisticated rhetoric through metaphors used for the anxiety of doubt caused by Wu undermining conventional assumptions that is compared to a cornered rat; and the experience of enlightenment generated by the power of Wu likened to a sword cutting through all delusions.

publication date

  • January 1, 2021

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 250

end page

  • 267

volume

  • 41

issue

  • 3-4