108zenbooks

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

February 3, 2010 - Posted by 108zenbooks | Eastern Teachers | , ,

3 Comments »

  1. Old Lady O-San’s spirited answer to Hakuin reminds me a little of Zen Master Seung Sahn. When a student could perceive the “truth” of some kong-an situation, Dae Soen Sa Nim would then ask, “Wonderful! But how does the truth function?”

    Comment by Barry Briggs | February 3, 2010 | Reply

    • I wanted to ask that of you and Ted yesterday (as a humbled student who just doesn’t get it)! All this zen talk can get so conceptual… how does it boil down to holding out my hand with love?

      Comment by Genju | February 3, 2010 | Reply

      • Holding out your hand with love is how the truth functions. As Zen Master Seung Sahn also used to say (ad nauseum): Just do it!

        Comment by Barry Briggs | February 4, 2010 | Reply


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