Mumonkan - Case 7: Joshu Washes the Bowl

A monk told Joshu:
  "I have just entered the monastery. Please teach me."
Joshu asked:
  "Have you eaten your rice porridge?"
The monk replied:
  "I have eaten."
Joshu said:
  "Then you had better wash your bowl."
At that moment the monk was enlightened. 


Mumon's Comment:

Joshu is the man who opens his mouth and shows his heart. I doubt if this
monk really saw Joshu's heart. I hope he did not mistake the bell for a
pitcher.

    It is too clear and so it is hard to see.
    A dunce once searched for fire with a lighted lantern.
    Had he known what fire was,
    He could have cooked his rice much sooner.
