The Two Rows of Monks and Nanquan's Cat

**Summary:** When two rows of monks quarreled over a cat, Zen Master Nanquan killed it to awaken his disciples, and Zhaozhou responded by placing shoes on his head.

Loud disturbances erupted from the east and west wings of the monastery. It was not the sound of chanting sutras or listening to a dharma talk, but a heated argument—voices full of agitation from the monks.

"This cat clearly belongs to our east wing! It has been catching mice here all along!" "That is not true! It often rests in the west wing temple. We are its rightful owners!"

The small cat, oblivious to whom it belonged, could only meow amidst the quarrel. The monks’ circle of mindfulness had been shattered. Their minds were easily pulled outward by a tiny cat.

At that moment, Zen Master Nanquan Puyuan stepped in. Seeing the chaotic scene, he understood immediately—they had lost mindfulness, forgetting to cultivate body and mind. Silently, he approached, his hand swiftly capturing the cat. The animal struggled, but under his steady grip, it went still and motionless. He held a knife, his voice deep yet resonant:

"Speak a word of true Zen. If not, I will cut this cat!"

The monks from both sides stammered, their minds in turmoil, unable to evoke any wise Zen phrase. Silence lingered. Then—a thud echoed. The cat’s head fell, blood spurting. The entire assembly froze.

Nanquan had just broken the precept against killing. The news spread through all monasteries, becoming a topic of fervent discussion.

Later, his closest disciple Zhaozhou returned from outside. Hearing his master recount the story, Zhaozhou said nothing. He silently slipped on his shoes, then placed both shoes on his head and walked out. His figure was calm, carrying a wordless message.

Watching his disciple’s retreating form, Nanquan nodded slightly and called after him: "Had you been here just now, the cat would have been saved."

Zhaozhou’s actions and Zen words, though simple, held true meaning. He responded to his master’s “rule-breaking” act with a “transcendence” of conventional limits, demonstrating the wisdom of Zen. This story, though shocking, is a profound lesson: precepts are an indispensable foundation, but a true practitioner must possess wisdom to know when to hold firmly and when to act flexibly to awaken others’ minds.

**Meaning of the Story** The story of “Nanquan’s Cat” is a classic example in Zen, illustrating the complexity between upholding precepts and applying wisdom. The lesson here is not to encourage breaking precepts, but rather: 1. Precepts (refraining from wrongdoing) are the absolute foundation for a true practitioner. 2. However, a truly enlightened being must have wisdom to understand the essence of situations, sometimes acting in ways that appear “unconventional” but are ultimately intended to awaken deluded sentient beings. 3. Specific circumstances must be evaluated with the light of wisdom, not rigid formulas. Most importantly, no matter how shocking an action may seem, the foundation of ethical conduct and genuine compassion can never be erased.

*Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thích Chân Quang*