An old
Zen Koan that goes as follows:
One day Tokusan told his student Ganto, 'I have two monks who have been here for many years. Go and examine them.' Ganto picked up an ax and went to the hut where the two monks were meditating. He raised the ax, saying, 'If you say a word I will cut off your heads; and if you do not say a word, I will also cut off your heads.' Both monks continued their meditation as if he had not spoken. Ganto dropped the ax and said, 'You are true Zen students.' He returned to Tokusan and related the incident. 'I see your side well,' Tokusan agreed, 'but tell me, how is their side?' 'Tozan may admit them,' replied Ganto, 'but they should not be admitted under Tokusan.'
Amusing, no?
GEB uses Ganto's Axe to demonstrate detachment in
propositional calculus.