Re: My favorite zen koan

Speirlow@aol.com
Wed, 04 Nov 1998 16:54:26 -0500 (EST)

In a message dated 98-11-03 20:40:30 EST, you write:

<< In a far-off land still relatively unspoiled by western influence, a wise
 monk carrying two sacks approaches his pupil. 
 
 "In one of these sacks", says the monk, "are 10 white balls. In the other
 sack are 10 black balls. Never mind where I got them. I will randomly draw a
 ball from one of the sacks. If it is white, you will be enlightened. If it
 is black, you will remain forever in the dark."
 
 "Before I draw a ball, I will turn my back, during which time you may change
 the contents of the sacks by moving balls from sack to sack. When you are
 done, however, there must still be 10 white and 10 black balls total between
 the two sacks." 
 
 Is there any way for the pupil to increases his chances of seeing the light?
>>


This sounds more like a math problem than a koan...this is suppose to stop
making you think rationally?  I'm a little confused.

Morgan