On and off I have been studying zen texts. Mostly Yunmen and Mumonkan. I have intentionally been avoiding interpretations and commentaries beyond those of other masters. I’m really trying to think for myself when it comes to zen. But without context cases tend to be very cryptic and sometimes I break down and just look it up. I’ve gathered that there’s no “right answer” or view on any given case, and that they’re not puzzles to be solved. But what are they then?
Beyond the fascinating characters of zen and a general interest, why bother? Even Linji said: “Students of today get nowhere because they base their understanding upon the acknowledgement of names. They inscribe the words of some dead old guy in a great big notebook, wrap it up in four or five squares of cloth, and won’t let anyone look at it. ‘This is the Mysterious Principle,’ they aver, and safeguard it with care. That’s all wrong. Blind idiots! What kind of juice are you looking for in such dried-up bones!”
I guess what I’m asking is; can zen texts really teach me anything about zen? Or do I need to break my foot, or perhaps cut off a finger?
Submitted February 06, 2022 at 02:04AM by letresorinterdit https://ift.tt/zsK9A2B
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