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by hemiman on December 5th, 2006

hemiman

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Where did the phrase "Chop wood, carry water" come from?

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  • by Stableboy on December 5th, 2006

    Stableboy

    This is an old Zen expression. It means "just do what you're doing", referring to ordinary daily life. In Zen, being able to engage with ordinary life fully is considered the essence of awakening.

    The idea is that getting caught up in all sorts of ego-centered, or philosophical and metaphysical notions interferes with the simple clarity that comes from just giving yourself fully to the current activity: "chop wood, carry water".

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