both hands clapping
In all this chasing after concepts of emptiness, it’s easy to lose sight of the essentials.
“Old Lady O-San” was an enlightened student of Zen master Tetsumon. She was later tested by Hakuin who posed the koan about one hand clapping. Ever the pragmatist she replied:
Rather than listen
to Hakuin’s sound
of one hand clapping,
clap both hands
and do business!
from Zen Antics: 100 Stories of Enlightenment transl. & ed. by Thomas Cleary
Shall we get on with our lives? What needs two hands to grasp, hold, hug, support?
Be kind, be sweet, take a stand, get grouchy, and if he’s not available go for dopey – he’s always been my favourite anyway.
See the universe through the reeds, the forest through the trees.
Thank you for practicing,
Genju
