The following is from 'The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh' (click)
and published by 'Shambhala Pocket Classics".
The World Of Living Reality
"One day a monk asked Chou-Chou to speak to him about Zen.
Chou-Chou asked, 'Have you finished your breakfast?'
'Yes, master, I have eaten my breakfast.'
'Then go and wash your bowl.'
'Go and wash your bowl.'
This is the same as saying, 'Go and live a realized life.'
Instead of giving the student some explanations about Zen,
the master opened the door and invited the young man
to enter the world of reality.
'Go and wash your bowl.'
These words contain no secret meaning to explore or explain.
They are a simple, direct, and clear declaration.
There is no enigma here, nor is this a symbol.
It refers to a very concrete fact."
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