Joshu had a contest of words with the Shami Bun-on. The point was to lose, not to win. The person who won (that is, lost) should bring the fruit. Joshu said, "I am a donkey". Bun-on said, "I am the donkey's crupper". Joshu said, "I am the donkey's dung". Bun-on said, "I am the worms in it". Joshu said, "What are you doing there?" Bun-on said, "I am passing the summer there". Joshu said, "You go and get the fruit".
(Zen and Zen Classics, vol. 3, R. H. Blyth)
I was skimming through /r/Zen, watching a bunch of people arguing, trying to be right, trying to convince others, trying to win arguments. This seemed so familiar. They seemed so desperate and out of control...
Like an addict going through withdrawal and finally surrendering to his strong impulse. Even making excuses to himself. "It's just this one time". "I'll quit soon". "This will help me with my stress/anxiety/depression". "I need this".
Not only is this addict unaware, he's also enslaved.
Same with most people here. (Myself included) — "Oh I am open minded and, but I just need to clarify this little point", "I accept your answer, but you're answering the wrong question".
I don't suggest "the desire to be right" is bad or wrong. Not at all. But...
Are you fully aware of yours?
Aren't you enslaved by yours?
Could you play Joshu's game?
Could you chat about Zen unconcerned about being right? What would that look like?
Bonus points to every comment that starts with "In my experience" or "In my opinion".
Submitted November 06, 2018 at 12:59PM by hookdump https://ift.tt/2qrpHxc
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