The non-world of non-forms

Someone asked, "When the world of forms is no longer seen, how is it then?"

Joshu said, "Why should it be that way?"

-- Sayings of Joshu (#346)

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My comment

This is a very interest case for Zen students. Because of course, we are all interested in the world of forms, and its complement, the world of non-forms, or even the non-world of forms, or the non-world of non-forms.

What is it like when we stop seeing the world of forms, and as a result, the non-world of non-forms comes into our view?

We imagine that some strange, alternative interpretation of our nature emerges. Something ordinary and yet clear - something that might even, if we're very lucky and talented, let us tick something off our bucket list.

But this non-world of non-forms, or world of non-forms, or non-world of forms, never seems to exist, as Joshu's questioner himself experienced.

We must continue to study in the meantime, and spend as much time practising as we can, according to the best instruction by the most entertaining teacher, and according to the great teachings of the historically respected masters.

Otherwise, we would have to look at Joshu's answer more closely. His answer was exact.

Submitted July 16, 2022 at 05:58AM by Jamalwherewithall https://ift.tt/AvdenBZ