Time for a new study of Chao Chou's famous 'sex predation' case. Alternatively we might call it the 'hearsay' or 'safe space' case.

Case

There was a nun who asked Zen Master Zhaozhou, "What is the practice of a sangha member?"

The master said, "Don't bear any children." The nun said, "If not for you, there would be no involvements."

The master said, "If I had some involvement with you, what could you do to withstand it?"

Source: The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Joshu, translated by James Green

Breakdown with commentary

So...here we have a 'nun'. Am I correct in assuming that a 'nun' likely spends plenty of time in/around 'monasteries'/'zen master's', etc.?

There was a nun who asked Zen Master Zhaozhou, "What is the practice of a sangha member?"

I can't recall another case where someone asks 'What is the practice of a sangha member?'

Sangha refers to the community. The nun immediately demonstrates deep insight with her question is obviously relevant to herself, the master, and everyone else that might be considered community.

The master said, "Don't bear any children."

Immediately the master strikes to the heart.

The nun said, "If not for you, there would be no involvements."

Is this the source of the nun's doubts? Had there been rumors of Zhaozhau's involvements? and most importantly Were they true?

The master said, "If I had some involvement with you, what could you do to withstand it?"

What clarity! "You and I have no involvements"

Now, here's the crux of this whole case

what could you do to withstand it?"

Is this a threat?? What on earth is he doing??

He's pointing out that she's safe.

There are no involvements

 

Regarding our community

Here are some things that Zen Master's don't do

Sexual predation

Ad hominem arguments*

Lie

Refuse to adapt

*Ad hominems include trolling and viciously insulting someone with inaccurate and inappropriate labels.

Submitted September 26, 2018 at 10:56PM by seigando https://ift.tt/2NGaHtb