What is the sound of one hand clapping? Oddly enough, I am asked this question often. Having only one hand I guess I can understand this happening on some level. Being Buddhist adds and extra layer of magnetism to the phrase. Despite being one of the most quoted and well known Zen Koans in modern history, it is actually being said and asked incorrectly. The great Japanese Monk, writer, calligrapher, and Zen Master, Hakuin Ekaku (1685- 1768), originally asked, "Two hands clap and there is a sound, what is the sound of one hand?" The koan is, "What is the sound of one hand?" Now that is the question you want to be asking this one handed guy!!

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Show Notes:

Getting asked "what is the sound of one hand clapping" way to often.

This famous Zen Koan is usually mis-quoted.

The weird and cool of a one-handed life.

Resources

The Sound Of One Hand: Painting and Calligraphy of The Zen Master Hakuin Ekaku – A book about the Zen Master who created the Famous Zen Koan, "What is the Sound of One Hand?"

Hui'ko, The One-Handed Shaolin Monk – The Second Patriarch of Zen, Shaolin Temple Master, and student of Bodhidharma.

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