Koan: The Dead Man's Answer

[Brian]

The Dead Man's Answer

When Mamiya, who later became a well-known preacher, went to a teacher
for personal guidance, he was asked to explain the sound of one hand.

Mamiya concentrated upon what the sound of one hand might be. "You are
not working hard enough," his teacher told him. "You are too attached
to food, wealth, things, and that sound. It would be better if you
died. That would solve the problem."

The next time Mamiya appeared before his teacher he was again asked
what he had to show regarding the sound of one hand. Mamiya at once
fell over as if he were dead.

"You are dead all right," observed the teacher, "But how about that
sound?"

"I haven't solved that yet," replied Mamiya, looking up.

"Dead men do not speak," said the teacher. "Get out!"

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