Zen koan of the day - Kicking the Water Jar

Kicking the Water Jar

During his stay as a monk with Master Hyakujo, Isan was a cook.

Master Hyakujo wished to select a monk to found the new monastery called the "Great Mount I"

Maser Hyakujo told all of the monks that he would choose the one who could demonstrate that they were the best.

The Master brought out a drinking water jar, put it down and said, "You cannot call it a water jar. What, what will you call it?"

The chief monk said, "Well, one cannot call it a wooden stick."

Then Master turned to Isan. Dramatically, Isan kicked the jar and walked away.

Master Hyakujo laughed and said, "The chief monk lost to Isan." He made Isan the founder of the Great I-san Monastery.

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dcj commentary: Goal!