Re: Hand clap Zen koan
Musycian@aol.com
Tue, 03 Nov 1998 01:34:51 -0500 (EST)
In a message dated 98-11-02 12:40:38 EST, you write:
<<
The action described in the Zen koan is shown in the first story, when
Seymour's wife, while drying her freshly-polished nails, passes her hand back
and forth in the air, much like one hand clapping. It could be an example of
Salinger's humor showing through, presenting the Zen action in the most
spiritually devoid character in the story. >>
I personally really tend to think that this is reading just way into something
that was merely meant as a sort of subtle zen addition in the beginning, as
almost an introduction the buddhist philosophies presented in the book. I
don't see Seymour's wife having anything to do with the koan, nor the clapping
of Teddy's ear to get the water out of it. That may seem like I don't see any
symbolism in it but as far as I've studied, zen koans are often just as simple
and absurd that they don't mean anything in a substantial material sense.
~Lynda