Post by Elliot Kane on Apr 20, 2007 20:42:32 GMT
This is more something of a related topic to my main interests rather than a part of the art as such, but I figure some of you might find it somewhat interesting anyway 
For those of you wondering what a 'Zen question' is, the two most common examples are "If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make any sound?" and "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Neither is a particularly difficult question once the context is understood, but then Zen is all about context - and every single Zen question is basically the same question approached from a different angle.
The idea of Zen is to fully understand that the universe is not composed of unconnected parts, but that it is our faulty perception that sees division where there is none. "All things are one within Samsara (The Dream of the World)." And they really are.
Once this full understanding is achieved, the newly enlightened one can appreciate that they are a part of this whole webwork that stretches from infinity to infinity, and be accepting that they are truly one with the universe. Achieving this oneness is the aim of Zen, as it is with all forms of Buddhism.
Once you realise that the question is really "In what way does this demonstrate the oneness of all things?" the answer to every Zen question becomes obvious.
So:
"If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make any sound?" - Yes. Our perceptions can mislead us into believing that things do or do not happen, but the truth remains what it is. We are part of the universe, not the whole of it. With or witout us, things happen as they should.
"What is the sound of one hand clapping?" - There is none. Nothing that exists can avoid interacting with other things, for we are all a part of the same whole. In order to get anything at all to happen, there must be interaction.
A lot more can be said of both - as with all other Zen questions, they are beginning points for thinking more deeply on the nature of reality. But that's how to begin, at least
Approach any other Zen questions you encounter in the same way, and they will not prove hard to solve
For those of you wondering what a 'Zen question' is, the two most common examples are "If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make any sound?" and "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Neither is a particularly difficult question once the context is understood, but then Zen is all about context - and every single Zen question is basically the same question approached from a different angle.
The idea of Zen is to fully understand that the universe is not composed of unconnected parts, but that it is our faulty perception that sees division where there is none. "All things are one within Samsara (The Dream of the World)." And they really are.
Once this full understanding is achieved, the newly enlightened one can appreciate that they are a part of this whole webwork that stretches from infinity to infinity, and be accepting that they are truly one with the universe. Achieving this oneness is the aim of Zen, as it is with all forms of Buddhism.
Once you realise that the question is really "In what way does this demonstrate the oneness of all things?" the answer to every Zen question becomes obvious.
So:
"If a tree falls in a forest and there is no-one around to hear it, does it make any sound?" - Yes. Our perceptions can mislead us into believing that things do or do not happen, but the truth remains what it is. We are part of the universe, not the whole of it. With or witout us, things happen as they should.
"What is the sound of one hand clapping?" - There is none. Nothing that exists can avoid interacting with other things, for we are all a part of the same whole. In order to get anything at all to happen, there must be interaction.
A lot more can be said of both - as with all other Zen questions, they are beginning points for thinking more deeply on the nature of reality. But that's how to begin, at least
Approach any other Zen questions you encounter in the same way, and they will not prove hard to solve
