Chao-chou Gets Slapped

When Chao-chou was outside the monastery one day, he came across an old woman carrying a basket. He immediately asked, "Where are you going?"

The old woman said, "I'm on my way to steal Chao-chou's bamboo shoots."

Chao-chou said, "What will you do if you run into Chao-chou?"

The old woman came up to Chao-chou and gave him a slap.

Commentary
Each person can teach us. Can we teach each person?

Source: The Roaring Stream, by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker
Photo by Stephen

Comments

[molly]

Hmmmmm....
I need to sit with this one.

[Kudzu Fire]

deep?

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Molly and Kudzu Fire,
Thanks for your comments. I like this story about Chao-chou. At the time that this story must have occurred, Chao-chou would have been over 80 years old (he didn't start teaching until age 80). His interactions with women were sometimes questionable (see earlier stories posted on Zen Women) but in this case, he's merely testing the old woman. Turns out that the old woman was no fool.

In my view, the point of this story is that we must bring our awareness to every moment. Neither Chao-chou nor the old woman was asleep. In fact, each actor was probing the other to see if they were awake in that very moment. The old woman got the better of the situation, but Chao-chou probably only laughed.

Thanks again for your comments!
Barry

[Uku]

This is a great story! Reminds me the importance of a daily practice! :)

Gassho,
Uku

[Barry]

Hi Uku,
Reminds me of the importance of waking up right now. Then we can meet Chao-chou and give him a slap!

Your friend in the Dharma,
Barry

[Bill]

Chao-chou went hunting rabbits and found an old tigeress laying in wait. She saw the snare, did he?

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Bill, the whole world is populated with old women whose eyes are wide open. Even Chao-chou could not always cope. So how will we?

Thanks for your comment!