Koan of the Week

A monk asked Zhaozhou, "I have just entered the monastery: please give me some guidance."
Zhaozhou said, "Have you had breakfast yet?"
The monk said, "Yes, I've eaten."
Zhaozhou said, "Then go wash your bowl."
- from the Book of Serenity, Thomas Cleary, tr.

Master Li Kim's Commentary: The ancient commentators debated whether there was any wisdom in Zhaozhou's answer. I vote yes. Wisdom doesn't have to be fancy. It can just be getting on with life. That in itself is wisdom. Candide traveled all over the world and had many adventures. What did he learn from that? "We must cultivate our garden."

Master Li Kim's Haiku:

Hot running water
Splashes in cereal bowls,
Mixing with soapsuds.