One Hand Claps
There is an introspective method often associated with the practice of 'zen' which calls for a practitioner to work with a 'koan' or problem, to sort it out.
These koans (or Ko-An) often do not have a practical solution, but rather, during the practically impossible task of trying to work them out, the mind is stretched into a state of open wonderment or empty vessel, ready to absorb the greater truth beyond words or contemplation.
One of the better known koans is,
"What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Another might be,
"If a tree were to fall in a forest and no one was there to witness, did it make a sound?"
These can be powerful tools to work with in order to find a state of mind
which may have eluded you otherwise.
Taking these things seriously is one part of the 'zen practice' another would be to lighten up and laugh, often, as living can be truly joyful if not at least, fully embraced, at all times.
One evening I found myself, still in deep contemplation over an assigned koan, but attempting to find some relief with passive entertainment, in the back of a strip bar.
When suddenly, I got it!
Somewhere in a dark corner, not far behind, was coming the repititous sound of one hand clapping.
Disgusted with the revelation.... I immediately exited.
(sai richard scott, 5/10)
