oddbird1963 Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I had an IM session with a friend who was at a flea market. I asked them to look for me some Eastern style decorations for my new apartment. I said, "I am feeling very Zen today." The person said this: Friend: "Idk much about zen." Me: "Pefect. It's the not knowing that makes you know about Zen! So, yes you do." Me: "Clench your fist as hard as you can and hold that grip until your hand grows tired. Release the grip. Now you know Zen." My friend did not reply to that, so I think it is believed I have flipped out! My question is, "Did my reply to my friend communicate Zen at all? " It could be I have no idea what I am talking about and should keep my mouth shut about Zen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Moderator florduh Posted February 20, 2010 Super Moderator Share Posted February 20, 2010 To keep your mouth shut is to speak volumes. You cannot communicate Zen, yet all shall hear you. If one must ask, "What is Zen?" he already knows. See? Zen is easy! Westerners just think it's deep because they consider Eastern culture to be inherently profound for some reason. Speak wisely, Grasshopper! (Oh yeah, references to flora and fauna add greatly to the mystique. Water lilies are popular.) Here's a piece of real Zen wisdom I didn't make up: A monk asked Ummon: `What is Buddha?' Ummon answered him: `Dried dung.' Clear? (Damn, I am SO unenlightened!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oddbird1963 Posted February 20, 2010 Author Share Posted February 20, 2010 To keep your mouth shut is to speak volumes. You cannot communicate Zen, yet all shall hear you. If one must ask, "What is Zen?" he already knows. See? Zen is easy! Westerners just think it's deep because they consider Eastern culture to be inherently profound for some reason. Speak wisely, Grasshopper! (Oh yeah, references to flora and fauna add greatly to the mystique. Water lilies are popular.) Here's a piece of real Zen wisdom I didn't make up: A monk asked Ummon: `What is Buddha?' Ummon answered him: `Dried dung.' Clear? (Damn, I am SO unenlightened!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev R Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 well if your friend didn't get the joke, then you didn't communicate it. or maybe you did communicate it and your friend still didn't get the joke. probably best to ask your friend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astreja Posted March 6, 2010 Share Posted March 6, 2010 Zen is clenching the fist; realizing that it hurts to clench the fist, yet when you look the pain is nowhere in particular; feeling the air tight around your closed hand; realizing that the fist is not 'you' and yet that it is in your mind... ...and letting the fist gracefully roll open, all by itself, with or without your conscious assent. The sound of One Hand Doing Stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dagan Posted March 6, 2010 Share Posted March 6, 2010 The sound of One Hand Doing Stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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