In Zen there is a koan (a conversation between Zen masters or a Zen master and his/her student) that asks "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" (The actual translation comes to "You can hear the sound of two hands clapping, but what is the sound of one?" but it's close enough, and you get the point.) This often comes up in Wester Civilization, as the archetypal crazy Eastern Philsosphy mind-eff.
I have long fingers, a wide palm and a deep "cup" in my palm. I can bend my fingers (rapidly) in such a way that it makes a clapping sound. I CAN clap with one hand. Hell, I can have a round of applause by myself (using both hands independently) There HAS to be other people out there who are confused as to why this is such a "mind-blowing" question. Anyone else?
To make this topical...If a tree falls in the forest, and it hits an angel, does satan giggle?
2007-10-30 03:53:53 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Laughing at the thought of how many people are trying this with their hand. Indeed, I can do it too.
Now, can you rub your belly and tap your head at the same time?
2007-10-30 03:59:36 · answer #1 · answered by inbetweendays 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think you are missing the point to Zen parables especially the sound of one hand clapping. Besides if you gave the same parable to 20 people, all 20 would interpret it differently.
The point as I see it, is parables are made to make you think and reflect. Parables let you come to the conclusions on your own.
Parables are not meant to be interpreted by others and their interpretations shoved down your throat like christianity does. However can one learn the peace and enlightenment of the parables if you don't understand it yourself?
Besides Zen is a philosphy, just one sect of Buddhism. Reading Zen Koans means everything and it means nothing at all. Start over and read them with a open empty mind, you may be surprised by what you learn.
2007-10-30 04:07:02 · answer #2 · answered by Yin&Yang 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dude I can clap one-handed...I thought that was the norm. My hands are huge though.
Cool more party tricks! Add this one to my list of:
Rolling the tongue
Flipping the tongue
"waving" the tongue
stacking fingers
rave dancing
opening beer bottles with CD's
riding the bucket
one-handed clapping
2007-10-30 04:02:21 · answer #3 · answered by Armless Joe, Bipedal Foe 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
i think of this guy or woman is basically yet another one enjoying around (new member and little question utilising an alias back). pass play interior the nook including your lead paint based toys and enable the adults use this talk board. No pass clap thrice and disappear. (wager I won't get picked superb answer in this one)
2016-09-28 01:47:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is another solution to the "sound of one hand clapping" that I like:
cooperation
Two people making a "high five".
2007-10-30 04:31:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have very small hands, so this doesn't work for me. The only way I can clap with one hand is if I smack someone in the face.
2007-10-30 04:09:39 · answer #6 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
YAY! I'm not the only sarcastic butthole who does this. It's always struck me as a dumb question, because my one hand makes a fairly decent clap sound.
Just because something doesn't make sense, doesn't mean it's profound.
2007-10-30 03:57:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I love that parable! I, unfortunately, cannot clap with one hand. I bow to your mastery.
(Joe F - I am in love with you now!)
2007-10-30 04:31:35 · answer #8 · answered by Cinthia Round house kicking VT 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm doing it right now.
Didn't Homer, or Peter Griffin do this too? I can't remember.
2007-10-30 04:01:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
WOW!!!
I just tried it and it works, fantastic.
Answer to your last part.....I would giggle because angels don´t exist. I would be halucinating.
2007-10-30 04:47:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋