“One day in the neighborhood of Dogo’s Temple of Chang-chou, death occurred in a certain home and Zen Master Dogo took his disciple Zengen to express their condolences to the family.” During the visit Zengen tapped the coffin and asked, “Is he alive or dead?”

Dogo answered, “I won’t say alive, I won’t say dead.” Zengen said, “Why don’t you say?” Dogo repeated, “I won’t say. I won’t say.” On the way back to the temple Zengen again asked, “Please tell me clearly, Master, whether he is dead or alive. If you don’t tell me, I’ll hit you.” The teacher said, “Hit me if you like, but I won’t say.” So Zengen hit him.

At length Dogo died and Zengen, still troubled by the question, went to see Sekiso, a well-known Zen teacher. He told Sekiso how years ago he had struck his old teacher because he would not answer his question on life and death. Then he repeated the same question to Sekiso. Sekiso said, “I won’t say alive, I won’t say dead. I won’t say. I won’t say.” At that Zengen came to realization.