Zen translations

[philg]

The result of asking a Zen Master about translating Zen books into English was, “That’s a waste of time. If you really understand Zen. You can use any book. You could use the Bible. You could use Alice in Wonderland. You could use the dictionary, because... the sound of the rain needs no translation.” — Alan Watts

[Aloka]

Hmm....,I'm definately not a fan of the late Alan Watts!

[Aloka]

Here's Brad Warner with "The Offerings of the Universe":

[philg]

There is truth in the Alan Watts quote, but it's a bit of a catch 22 situation, isn't it? You *can* use anything, but only if you really understand Zen. On the other hand, if you have to learn another language merely to read about Zen, then you are hardly going to understand Zen to any degree. That itself is a typical Zen situation. Brad's talk has similar elements, because that's the nature of Zen. I would add a bit about 'nothing', which for me means no 'thing'. Zen is about, 'It's not this, or that. It's about no 'thing' ', so that when all things are seen this way, then you get somewhere. Or rather you don't because getting somewhere is a thing. When we don't covet anything, we don't see any 'thing' being something to cling to. Personally I think that Just Sitting is good for no thing. Which is good.