Mumonkan - Case 14: Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two

Nansen saw the monks of the eastern and western halls fighting over a cat.
He seized the cat and told the monks:
  "If any of you say a good word [a word of Zen], you can save the cat."

No one answered. So Nansen boldly cut the cat in two pieces.

That evening Joshu returned and Nansen told him about this. Joshu removed
his sandals and, placing them on his head, walked out.

Nansen said:
  "If you had been there, you could have saved the cat."


Mumon's Comment:

Why did Joshu put his sandals on his head? If anyone answers this question
[with one word], he will understand exactly how Nansen enforced the edict.
If not, he should watch his own head.

    Had Joshu been there,
    He would have enforced the edict oppositely.
    Joshua snatches the sword
    And Nansen begs for his life.