'Chop Wood, Carry Water', Canvas 70x100 cm / 28x40″

'Chop Wood, Carry Water', Canvas 70x100 cm / 28x40″

£72.57

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Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.

— Zen Kōan

This is a classic Zen saying that beautifully illustrates the integration of enlightenment into everyday life. It speaks to the idea that while profound realization may shift one's inner perspective, the fundamental tasks of life often remain the same.

Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water: This depicts the ordinary, perhaps even somewhat mundane, activities of daily life before a significant spiritual awakening. There might be a sense of striving, seeking, or perhaps even a feeling of drudgery associated with these tasks. The mind might be filled with questions, anxieties, and a yearning for something more.

After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water: This suggests that even after a profound shift in consciousness, the same basic tasks continue. However, the way they are performed and the inner experience accompanying them are likely to be very different. There might be a sense of presence, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for the simplicity of the moment. The striving and anxiety may have dissolved, replaced by a sense of acceptance and being fully engaged in the task at hand.

The saying highlights that enlightenment is not about escaping the mundane realities of life, but about experiencing them with a different quality of awareness. It's about finding the sacred in the ordinary and realizing that the divine is not separate from our daily activities.

Whether one is engaged in work, household chores, or simply moving through the day, this saying offers a gentle reminder that the potential for presence and a deeper understanding is always available, regardless of the task at hand. It's not about what we do, but how we do it and the state of mind we bring to it.

'Chop Wood, Carry Water', Canvas 70x100 cm / 28x40″

'Chop Wood, Carry Water', Canvas 70x100 cm / 28x40″

'Chop Wood, Carry Water', Canvas 70x100 cm / 28x40″

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