Zen Women: Chao-chou Gets Burned

December 07, 2008

A nun asked Zen Master Chao-chou, "Setting aside explanations given until now, please instruct me."

The master shouted, "Burn an iron bottle to ashes!"

The nun then went and poured the water out of an iron bottle and brought it to the master saying, "Please answer."

The master laughed at this.

Commentary
The nun put out the fire.

Source: The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Joshu, translated by James Green
Photo by Jasonb42882

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The role of women in the development of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism is poorly known. There have been imaginative attempts to construct a female lineage during the Tang Dynasty, but documentary records are quite limited. While reading through the case records over the past decade, I've noted stories involving female practitioners. This weblog compiles those stories in a single location.
As for me (Barry Briggs), I have trained for two decades in the Kwan Um School of Zen and serve that organization as a Bodhisattva Teacher. You can reach me at zenwomen [at] mac.com.
May these posts benefit all practitioners.

I’m truly grateful to everyone who leaves a comment on this blog. Even though many comments are generous and thoughtful, I rarely respond. Thank you for your understanding.

I extend grateful appreciation to my daughter, Susie, who designed this site; to Zen Master Seung Sahn, for crossing the ocean; and to all beings for their never-ending encouragement and teaching.
May we together attain enlightenment and save all beings from suffering.