7. RETURN TO EMPTINESS
(JOSHU WASHES THE BOWL)
A monk told Joshu: “I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.”
Joshu asked: “Have you eaten your rice porridge?”
The monk replied: “I have eaten.”
Joshu said: “Then you had better wash your bowl.”
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
MUMON’S COMMENT
Joshu is the man who opens his mouth and shows his heart. I doubt if this monk really saw Joshu’s heart. I hope he did not mistake the bell for a pitcher.
MUMON’S VERSE
It is too clear and so it is hard to see.
A dunce once searched for a fire with a lighted lantern.
Had he known what fire was,
He could have cooked his rice much sooner.
HOKYO’S COMMENT
HOKYO’S COUPLET
Joshu and Lao Tzu drank from the same cup:
The enlightened monk has no name.
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6. FLOWER POWER
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8. THE HUB
I AM NOT A HUMAN BEING
A Commentary on The Gateless Gate
©℗2020 Hokyo Jisetsu Walter Bitner
Illustrations ©2020 Carol-Margaret Bitner
Walter Bitner 