Chi Feng Wen Ta

The Reading:

Behavioral tests are conducted by means of radical and unexpected actions, the verbal tests by the so-called "crucial-verbal-contest" (Chinese: chi feng wen ta). The latter is perhaps the most popular technique, widely applied by all Zen Buddhists. The Chinese word wen means "questioning," and ta is "answering," so that wen ta is "questioning-answering" or loosely "conversation". But the phrase chi feng is very difficult to translate because it has manifold and subtle meanings. Literally, chi is "crucial," "critical," or the "Key point," etc., and feng means literally "crucial-sharp tip (or point)." This proves that the Zen "question and answer" are sharp and pointed, like the tips of two keen weapons point to point. Chi feng, therefore, implies that the Zen question is like a sharp, needle-pointed rapier constantly threatening to pierce to the heart without mercy;

-The Practice of Zen, Chang, page 35

Discussion:

"Without mercy."