Zen Life

Author: Wu Ping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Buddhist teachings emphasize a transcendent mindset while engaging in worldly affairs, filled with compassion for all sentient beings. However, after being introduced to China, it gradually evolved into a philosophical tradition, focusing more on the ultimate concern for humanity and nature, such as the Zen sect created by outstanding masters during the Tang and Song dynasties. For centuries, countless literati and officials, who remained indifferent to the rise and fall of flowers in their courtyards and the shifting of clouds in the sky, found Zen to be a part of their spiritual lives and a unique path to seeking wisdom in life. Liang Qichao, Qian Zhongshu, Lin Yutang, Feng Zikai, and Chen Congzhou all found their way home through Zen. This book collects dozens of life insights about Zen from modern and contemporary Chinese and foreign writers.
Excerpt:
Cloud-Water / Lin Qingxuan
In the past, wandering monks were called "cloud-water" in monasteries. In Buddhism, "cloud-water" has two meanings: first, wandering monks are like flowing clouds and water, free and unobstructed; second, they live like clouds in the sky and water in a jar, naturally. I deeply admire the imagery of "cloud-water" because it embodies unparalleled freedom and purity from the heart to life. It is not just a description of life's fluidity but also a symbol of noble character. Cloud-water monks who resided in monasteries and sought lodging often performed what others considered humble tasks, such as sweeping, cooking, and fetching firewood. Yet no matter how lowly the work, it in no way diminished their dignity. They often regarded coarse labor as sacred, believing it could cultivate humility and gentleness of heart. In Buddhism, especially Zen, the cloud-water style is particularly pronounced because masters often had to travel to seek approval from their teachers. Moreover, cloud-water itself embodies the essence of Zen—freedom, simplicity, gentleness, and fluidity without stagnation.
In the past, cloud-water monks owned only a robe and a bowl. They ate only one meal at noon and abstained from eating after midday. When they sought lodging in a monastery, they had only a mat about the size of a sitting cushion, where they would meditate and sleep. They lived a very frugal life, performing heavy labor, hoping to discover the essence of life in a single body or to grasp their true nature in the flow. In Zen terms, this is called "illuminating the mind and seeing the nature."
Interestingly, the life of a cloud-water monk is a self-chosen path with no fixed educational method or graduation time. When a cloud-water monk arrives at a monastery and follows a master, some may achieve enlightenment upon meeting and leave the next day, while others may stay for twenty years without gaining any insight. This is because whether one benefits depends solely on the clarity of one's own heart. In the life of a cloud-water monk, there is no "hypocrisy." They live by sincerity and devout belief, emphasizing fundamental experiences—what can be called "heart experiences."
Another valuable spirit in the practice of cloud-water monks is their unwavering dedication. When they arrive at a place with a master and teachings, if they have not achieved enlightenment, they will not leave even if beaten or scolded by their teacher (which is why many masters endured inhumane beatings, scoldings, or even pushed off cliffs yet willingly accepted instruction). Conversely, in places without a master or teachings, they refuse to stay even for a moment (though cloud-water monks may seem indifferent to time, they are actually people who cherish life and strive vigorously). The reason for this is that flowing like clouds and water is not about carelessness but about seeking a thorough understanding of life's truth, shedding all pretense, and achieving true liberation. Teachers and teachings are what help achieve liberation, so Zen practitioners show absolute obedience to their masters.
What is particularly moving is that the cloud-water monks we see in Chinese Zen are very lively, bright, open, and even expressive—laughing and crying. From the records of Zen cases, we see their inspiring style: they possess clear minds and strong bodies, truly like flying clouds and flowing water, full of vibrant life force. In the history of Zen, we hardly find a figure with a pale complexion, lacking vitality, or rigid and stagnant. This makes us realize that Zen, and indeed life, must have an open, grand, and solemn style to touch its inner essence.
From the life of "cloud-water," we can learn much, especially in worldly terms. For example, we learn that a dignified character is far more important than the status of one's work; that a simple and frugal life brings us closer to the truth of life; and that self-education is the most effective form of education. People living in modern society can hardly imagine the life of a cloud-water monk. This is because, under the waves of inferior materialism and the storms of cold, mechanized life, few have quiet places or time to find solace. I believe that the hectic modern life harms people's character, making it difficult for them to walk with dignity, as cloud-water monks do, toward their own path.
In this context, maintaining a space of "cloud-water" in the heart or creating a flowing, cloud-like inner world is urgent and important. Otherwise, we may quickly decline in the embrace of our surroundings and even forget that alongside the body, there is also a "heart" that exists! Clouds and water are the true nature of the heart, while the body is merely the shadow of the cloud and the bubble of the water!