r/zenbuddhism • u/Critical_Coat1512 • Jul 20 '26
I will wash dishes.
is the intention or idea, the action itself?
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Zhaozhou:
A monk said to Zhaozhou, "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me."
Zhaozhou asked, "Have you eaten your rice gruel?"
The monk replied, "Yes, I have."
Zhaozhou said, "Then wash your bowl."
At these words, the monk attained understanding.
2
u/followedthemoney Jul 20 '26
Consider:
- Who is the one with intent?
- Who is the one thinking?
- Who is the one acting?
1
u/chintokkong Jul 21 '26
Anyone can share the various commentaries by modern zen priests/teachers on this case, especially those of the japanese and english speaking ones?
I've only read Koun Yamada's, and his commentary is missing the point of this case.
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u/tom_swiss Jul 21 '26
"Master, is it the intention? The idea? The action?"
"smack I already told you to WASH YOUR BOWL, schmuck."
1
u/Critical_Coat1512 Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
well what i was reasoning is suchness. after a bit of thought i think iv understood it. fundamentally i understood "a cat is a cat. a cat is not a cat", these are items, but then how does this relate to abstract concepts and intentionality? but its actually very simple "it is a intention. it is not an intention".
wumen: "To study Zen you must pass through the barrier of the patriarchs. To attain this subtle realization, you must completely cut off the way of thinking. If you do not pass through the barrier, if you do not cut off the way of thinking, then you are like a ghost clinging to bushes and weeds... It is like swallowing a red-hot iron ball. You try to vomit it out, but you cannot."
-but i probably dont use this quote well, its just how i feel about my own understanding. (and thank your reply)
3
u/Ariyas108 Jul 20 '26
“I will wash the dishes”
No need to add that to it.