Re: Hand clap Zen koan
Musycian@aol.com
Tue, 03 Nov 1998 01:29:13 -0500 (EST)
In a message dated 98-11-02 04:05:24 EST, you write:
<<
Can anyone explain the meaning of the zen koan about the sound of one hand
clapping (the motto of Nine Stories)? The first time I read it I found it
witty and interesting, but the more I think about it, the more meaningless
it becomes to me. Or is this exactly its point? >>
Zen Koans are indeed supposed to be ridiculous. It was one purpose for them to
serve- the monk who is given a kioan such as the sound of one hand clapping,
or "what did your face look like before your anscestors were born" is supposed
to deliberate on this until he comes to a conclusion. He is not allowed to
dismiss it as absurd, he must actually train his mind to think of an answer.
The result is supposed to be that his mind sort of flips over, so to speak,
and he is closer to enlightenment by thinking in a way other than reasoning.
The point is not to hurt reasoning, but rather to put it in its place.