PZI Teacher Archives

Zhaozhou's Wash Your Bowls (GG7)

KOAN:

A student asked Zhaozhou, “I have just entered this monastery. I beg you, Teacher, please give me instructions.”
Zhaozhou asked, “Have you eaten your rice gruel yet?”
The student answered, “Yes, I have.”
Zhaozhou said, “Then go wash your bowls.”

—Gateless Gate Case 7

Audio November 3, 2020

Wash Your Bowls with Michelle Riddle

Michelle Riddle

PZI Zen Online: October Zen Tuesday with Michelle Riddle Sensei. Zhaozhou’s message to a novice, “Wash your bowls.” A zendo plaque in Japan, “Look under your feet.” Focus on what is hidden in plain sight, right under you, obvious and overlooked. Like the migratory Golden Crowned Sparrows returning in fall. Ikkyu’s “Attention! Attention! Attention!” Complete session. As recorded Oct 20 2020.

49' 6"
Audio November 3, 2020

Audio Excerpt: The Smallest Things

Michelle Riddle

PZI Zen Online: Zhaozhou’s message to a novice, “Wash your bowls.” A zendo plaque, “Look under your feet.” A focus on what’s hidden in plain sight, right under you, obvious and overlooked. That the Golden Crowned Sparrows always return in fall. Ikkyu’s “Attention!”

22' 34"