Zhaozhou's Wooden Buddha (MK56)(BCR96)

KOAN:

The Buddha made of wood won’t pass through fire;
if she does, she will surely burn.

—PZI Miscellaneous Koans, Case 56a

From Zhaozhou’s Three Turning Words (plus one):

a. The Buddha made of wood won’t pass through fire;
if she does, she will surely burn.
b. The Buddha made of clay won’t pass through water;
if he does, he will surely drown.
c. The Buddha made of gold won’t pass through a furnace;
if she does, she will surely melt.
d. The true Buddha is sitting in the house.

—PZI MK Case 56 & Blue Cliff Record Case 96