Where Does Chao-chou Live?

When Zen Master Chao-chou had gone out from the monastery, he met a woman who asked, "Where do you live, Venerable Sir?"

He replied, "In the hsi of the Eastern Mountain of Chao-chou." The woman said nothing.

When he returned to the monastery, the Master asked the monks, "Which meaning of hsi should be applied?"

Some suggested hsi meant "west" and others insisted on hsi meaning "dwelling."

The Master remarked, "You should all be judges in the administrative office."

The monks inquired, "Oh, Master, why do you say that?"

Chao-chou replied, "You are all so literate."

Commentary
None of this would have happened if Chao-chou hadn't wandered around. At least the old woman didn't get tangled up in his web.

Source: The Roaring Stream, edited by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker
Photo by Ron Layters

Comments

[Uku]

Hahhaa, this is great! And that commentary is full of wisdom but also excellent humour! Like that Chao-chou's reply to the monks. :) Thank you, Barry!

[Barry]

Thank you for wandering around with me, Uku!