Monday, December 10, 2007

I'm not a Buddhist, but....


There's a zen koan that I really like. It goes something like this:

Before enlightenment, chop wood carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood carry water.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

(And Lindy, stop laughing so hard!... I know, I'm not Catholic either.)

13 comments:

In_Flight said...

I've hear that from buddhist friends of mine. I's a great phrase. Simple and true.

Lindy said...

I'm not laughing...

I want to think about his for awhile. I am finding this very provocative.

Lindy

Anonymous said...

Life goes on until it doesn't :)

Jan said...

I think it's about paying attention.

Diane M. Roth said...

hmmmm

interesting thoughts so far

Paul said...

Enlightenment does not take away the rhythms (and duties) of life. Neither does salvation. It is more concrete and pithy than the admonition not to be so heavenly minded that one is no earthly good.

Diane M. Roth said...

thanks for coming by, Paul!

Lori said...

To add to Paul's comment,

After enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water transform from drudgery into a joyful journey home.

David said...

I have to agree with Paul.

Douglas said...

The very first page of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by D. T. Suzuki says reaching enlightenment isn't such a big deal, but keeping one's beginner's mind is...

Diane M. Roth said...

I like that, Doug. Always back to the basics. Same is true in the Christian faith.. back to the foundation of God's grace...

Fran said...

What Paul said... and wait, you mean you are NOT Catholic? hahahahaah... I had to say that. Sorry, miss smarty pants is behaving now.

Catherine said...

My priest, Anne B+, used it in her sermon the other Sunday. We loved it in the congregation as she delivered it. That's our Anne+...

Catherine+