Are you afraid to look stupid or be embarrassed? Sometimes people tell me they are afraid to do or learn something because they fear they will look stupid or they will embarrass themselves. Every time someone says this, I am reminded of something that happened one day a long time ago.
JOSHU ASKED Nansen: “What is the path?’ Nansen said: “Everyday life is the path.” Joshu asked: “Can it be studied?” Nansen said: “If you try to study, you will be far away from it.” Joshu asked: “If I do not study, how can I know it is the path?”
Nansen said: “The path does not belong to the perception world, neither does it belong to the nonperception world. Cognition is a delusion and noncognition is senseless. If you want to reach the true path beyond doubt, place yourself in the same freedom as sky. You name it neither good nor not-good.” At these words Joshu was enlightened.
Thanks for the laugh and the reminder to not take myself so darned seriously.
Hilarious. That's the kind of story that sticks with people who hear it. Thanks for that.
19. Everyday Life Is the Path
JOSHU ASKED Nansen: “What is the path?’ Nansen said: “Everyday life is the path.” Joshu asked: “Can it be studied?” Nansen said: “If you try to study, you will be far away from it.” Joshu asked: “If I do not study, how can I know it is the path?”
Nansen said: “The path does not belong to the perception world, neither does it belong to the nonperception world. Cognition is a delusion and noncognition is senseless. If you want to reach the true path beyond doubt, place yourself in the same freedom as sky. You name it neither good nor not-good.” At these words Joshu was enlightened.