Zen Master Chao-chou was leaving the main hall when he saw a monk bowing to him.
The master struck him with his stick.
The monk said, "But bowing is a good thing!"
The master said, "A good thing is not as good as nothing."
Commentary
You can hear the self-righteousness in the monk's voice. And the desire for approval. Ouch!
Source: Zen Sourcebook, edited by Stephen Addiss
Photo by Z Rahen
Yes! Thank you, Barry. Great!
Posted by: Uku | January 31, 2009 at 03:44 AM
Great! Similar are the words of Laozi: "It is more important to be good than to do good." That monk was too busy "doing" ...! :-P
Posted by: Puerhan | January 31, 2009 at 01:43 PM
This monk's mind is very familiar...
Posted by: Barry Briggs | February 02, 2009 at 07:30 AM
This is just great. I can't comment further because it's just so "money"!
Posted by: Alice | February 03, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Wow, fabulous story, really hits home (pardon the pun). Thank you.
Posted by: Marcus | February 12, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Thanks for the comment, Marcus. Puns always well come!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | February 12, 2009 at 08:21 PM