The Gateless Gate - Case #7: Jōshū’s “Wash Your Bowl”

Full case

A monk said to Jōshū, “I have just entered this monastery. Please teach me.” “Have you eaten your rice porridge?” asked Jōshū. “Yes, I have,” replied the monk. “Then you had better wash your bowl,” said Jōshū. With this the monk gained insight.

Mumon’s comment

When he opens his mouth, Jōshū shows his gallbladder. He displays his heart and liver. I wonder if this monk really did hear the truth. I hope he did not mistake the bell for a jar.

Mumon’s verse

Endeavoring to interpret clearly,

You retard your attainment.

Don’t you know that flame is fire?

Your rice has long been cooked.

Comment

It's as simple as breathing, as sitting, as blinking your eyes. There is nothing to teach and nothing to learn. If you still wish to learn it, you have lost it.

This case rests verseless.

Submitted January 24, 2020 at 03:25PM by felipeforte https://ift.tt/3aybiF8