Ordinary Mind Is The Way

A Koan from the Mumokan (The Gateless Gate):

Joshu asked Nansen: “What is the Way?”

“Ordinary mind is the Way.”, Nansen answered.

“Should I look for it?” Joshu asked. “If you look for it, you will become separated from it.”, answered Nansen.

“How can I know the Way unless I look for it?” persisted Joshu.

Nansen said, “The Way is not a matter of knowing or not knowing. Knowing is delusion. Not knowing is confusion. When you have really seen the true Way beyond doubt, you will find it as vast and boundless as outer space. How can it be talked about on the level of right and wrong?"

With these words, Joshu came to a sudden realization.