From Blythe's translation
Joshu’s Washing the Bowl:
A monk said to Joshu, “I have entered this monastery. I beg you to teach me” Joshu asked. “Have you eaten your rice-gruel.” “I have,” replied the monk.”Then”, said Joshu, “go and wash your bowl.” The monk was enlightened.
The Commentary:
Joshu opened his mouth and showed his gallbladder, his heart, and his liver. If the monk didn’t really grasp the truth, he mistook the bell for a pot.
The Verse:
He made it all so clear,
It takes a long time to catch the point.
If you realize that it’s foolish to look for fire with a fire
The meal won’t take long to cook.
Me:
One question--is there some cultural or historical or other implicit significance to referring to the gallbladder heart and liver here? Or is it just (what it appears on my first reading) a way of saying 'laying everything bare'?
Another question--what would the world be like if everyone were enlightened?
What I can do with this: Continue on without understanding. Take note of those times when I remind people that nothing means what it means. Take note of those times that I don't.
You:?
Submitted January 07, 2020 at 06:41AM by Porn_Steal https://ift.tt/2tEcgi0
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