Joshu’s Washing The Bowl

Gateless Gate

Case 7

Joshu’s washing the bowl

A monk told Joshu, "I have just entered this monastery. I beg you to teach me." Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?" The monk replied, "I have." "Then," said Joshu, "Go and wash your bowl." At that moment the monk was enlightened.

Mumon’s Comment:

Joshu opened his mouth, showed his gall-bladder (true mind) and the depth of his heart. If this monk did not really listen to and grasp the truth, he indeed mistook the bell for a pitcher.

He made it so simple and clear, It might take a long time to catch the point, If one realizes that it's stupid to search for fire with a lantern light, The rice would not take so long to be done.

My Comment:

I’ve posted this before, when I was new to zen. Back then, I was like the monk, I came to zen with a goal in mind already. Joshu here says it plainly, don’t create complications.

Submitted October 12, 2019 at 08:03PM by ArgesAwoken https://ift.tt/32aVEem