1 upvotes, 1 direct replies (showing 1)
View submission: A Couple of Questions Regarding Koans
Make no mistake, the feline was, indeed, killed and torn and given to the two whiney grown-ass brats that, each coveting Da Cuteness so much that, triggered by the poison of their seemingly endless verbal ownership battle, their Master commenced with this most unfortunate lesson; not just creating a valuable lesson in emotional maturity (and the lack thereof) - an important lesson still being pondered and discussed more than a thousand years hence - but also putting a permanent end to the Ownership Battle of the Brats, and thus granting everyone else present that soothing (though now made solemn by the dread slaughter of the innocent) and sacred state of blessed silence.
I understand your initial sentiment towards the story, but another valuable aspect of it is as a reminder. It is true (and most fortunate) that Zen contains a very unique and, sometimes even transcendent, sense of humor. And though I give much merit to Zen's humor, as well as humor in general, this shocking lesson is a perpetual reminder of how Serious the actual goal of Zen is; as well as the Work (or practice, if it does ya) one must engage in to reach this goal.
Hope this helps bring a little light to your perplexity.
Comment by Erutaerc-Art at 13/01/2025 at 00:35 UTC
2 upvotes, 1 direct replies
I didn't think about the apparent humor that is weaved throughout Zen literature here and there. That definitely changes the way I look at these koans. Makes sense though: Zen masters have such a good sense of humor, they're always laughing :)