A monk told Joshu: `I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.′
Joshu asked: `Have you eaten your rice porridge?′
The monk replied: `I have eaten.′
Joshu said: `Then you had better wash your bowl.′
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
Mumon’s Comment: Joshu is the man who opens his mouth and shows his heart. I doubt if this monk really saw Joshu’s heart. I hope he did not mistake the bell for a pitcher.
It is too clear and so it is hard to see. A dunce once searched for fire with a lighted lantern. Had he known what fire was, He could have cooked his rice much sooner.
Recognizing the Candlelight as Fire: Joshu Washes the Bowl
Joshu Washes the Bowl
A monk told Joshu: `I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me.′
Joshu asked: `Have you eaten your rice porridge?′
The monk replied: `I have eaten.′
Joshu said: `Then you had better wash your bowl.′
At that moment the monk was enlightened.
Mumon’s Comment: Joshu is the man who opens his mouth and shows his heart. I doubt if this monk really saw Joshu’s heart. I hope he did not mistake the bell for a pitcher.
It is too clear and so it is hard to see.
A dunce once searched for fire with a lighted lantern.
Had he known what fire was,
He could have cooked his rice much sooner.