all 5 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 3 points 1 year ago (4 children)

This is at least partially incorrect- in Zen, the goal is to cultivate a Buddha nature, such at any point of time doing any action, you have a sudden insight and achieve enlightenment. Everything is about setting yourself up for sudden enlightenment.

  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
  • [–] [S] 0 points 1 year ago

    Not sure what you mean by incorrect as it's not defining peeling potatoes as the goal of Zen Buddhism.

    I've practiced it and taken part in their retreats. The instruction for cleaning and cooking service was very much to just focus on what you're doing - like just peel the potatoes. Not thinking about peeling them. Not looking for a deeper meaning in it. Not narrating a humble-brag story about yourself piously peeling them. This quote is accurate but doesn't make for an exciting overview of Zen philosophy or practice.

  • source
  • parent