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
Dharma Theme: Zen Tuesdays – Immensity is Tapping
PZI Dharma Theme: Four PZI Guanyins reappear for Zen Tuesdays in October. They marvel at the immensity in all things from various perspectives. Drawing inspiration from Jane Hirshfield’s poem, “Tree,” The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” a golden crowned sparrow, a remarkable brother’s life, and more. Excerpts and complete audio sessions as recorded in October 2020.
Wash Your Bowls with 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.
Audio Excerpt: The Smallest Things
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!”