In the twelfth century, the Chan master Mianzong wrote commentaries in verse for a batch of classic Chan koans. Five centuries later, two more female masters — Baochi and Zukui — added their interpretations. Beata Grant, a professor of Chinese and Religious Studies, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Washington University, has done all Zen devotees and others a salutary service by proving a wonderful translation of these koans, commentaries, and background on the three women. In addition, Susan Moon provides a thought-provoking introduction.

We were moved by three koans and the commentaries on them. Commenting on "Zhaozhou's "Go and Wash Your Bowl," Chan Master Baochi makes it clear that staying focused on the routines of life is all that is needed on the Zen path:

"He has eaten up his porridge
And gone off to wash his bowl.
Daily necessities are ready made.
What need for anything special?"

Linji's "The True Man Without Rank" provides a glimpse into the art of not attaching to superior or inferior, acceptance or rejection, closeness or distance. The true person is free from all fetters.

And, last but not least, is Yunmen's koan on "Every Day Is a Good Day."
Chan Master Miaozong chimes in with her response:

"Every day is a good day:
The Buddha's law and the world's law both complete.
There is no need to specifically seek out the secret and the mysterious. All you need to worry about is that both basin and bowl are wet."

And Chan Master Baochi adds:

"On clear days the sun come out;
When it rains, the earth is damp.
There is no need to think about anything else,
Except being able to finish up your business."

Right. This day is perfect and can never be repeated. You can make your day by not being enslaved to the secret and the mysterious or by not finishing your business. Let both go and savor the moments of this day.