The Blue Cliff Record

[The Cobbler's Apprentice]

So, another thread. Another little flurry of posts that possibly mean little or nothing. But you never know.

The Blue Cliff Record, for those who do not know, is a collection of 100 Koans, used in zen to enlighten. Koans have no logical answer.They are there to drag us out of our habitual modes of thought.

I have a book, "Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record". I've dipped into it on and off for a few years now - its become a bit of a habit.. I have to report that most of the books secrets remain so.

Nevertheless, one short excerpt read long ago always juggles around in my mind in various contexts, quoted often here:-

"What are the teachings of a whole lifetime?" "An appropriate statement" (Yun Men)

I first came across this in a book by Stephen Batchelor, quoted himself in "Buddhism Without Beliefs."

If we do not understand it we can be consoled by many "masters" saying that at the point of our not understanding, there is our understanding. All a bit confusing.

[sky]

Originally Posted by The Cobbler's Apprentice

"What are the teachings of a whole lifetime?" "An appropriate statement"

If the Teachings are correct or right for a certain situation they are certainly appropriate

[The Cobbler's Apprentice]

Originally Posted by sky123

If the Teachings are correct or right for a certain situation they are certainly appropriate

My reading/understanding is that it is more the appropriation of life teachings that issue in the "appropriate statement", which is word, act, or thought.

Originally Posted by The Cobbler's Apprentice

My reading/understanding is that it is more the appropriation of life teachings that issue in the "appropriate statement", which is word, act, or thought.

Yes exactly. The answer was not "a statement" it was "an appropriate statement." One encompassing the understanding of a whole lifetime.

[sky]

Originally Posted by The Cobbler's Apprentice

My reading/understanding is that it is more the appropriation of life teachings that issue in the "appropriate statement", which is word, act, or thought.

I love the way we all see Koans differently.....