Joshu’s was once asked by a monastic, “I have just entered the monastery for the first time. Please teach me, Master.” Joshu said, “Have you eaten the morning meal?” The monastic said, “Yes, I have.” Joshu said, “Then wash your bowls.” The monastic immediately had realisation.
Student: “Washing one’s bowl after a meal is not exceptional. How could the monastic attain enlightenment from such ordinary words?”
Master: “Realising the ordinary is enlightenment.”
Student: “What is an ordinary thing?”
Master: “What is special?”
Commentary:
Enlightenment is not special but one’s foolishness makes it special.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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