What is the sound of one hand clapping?
"Two hands clap and there is a sound.
What is the sound of one hand?.."
- Hakuin Ekaku
I love this koan. Sort of like how we humans are so keen to grasp concrete concepts but not so much when it comes to things which are more subtle and not so easily expressed into words. It's kind of funny too when you actually go to clap your hands and then real fast throw just one hand up there. I don't know why but it just cracks me up every time!
Snap your fingers and then think what it sounded like; and, you have the sound of one hand clapping!
Tim S.
"...a computer is a stupid machine with the ability to do incredibly smart things, while computer programmers are smart people with the ability to do incredibly stupid things. They are,in short, a perfect match.." Bill Bryson
Some groups use snapping fingers instead of clapping to show approval of performances.
Tim S.
"...a computer is a stupid machine with the ability to do incredibly smart things, while computer programmers are smart people with the ability to do incredibly stupid things. They are,in short, a perfect match.." Bill Bryson
I like the joke that subverts this koan to have the Zen master slap (using one hand) the disciple who asked him to explain this koan.
Look up a C++ Reference and learn How To Ask Questions The Smart WayOriginally Posted by Bjarne Stroustrup (2000-10-14)
Sounds like an annoying swishing noise to me. Hurts my arm after a while as well
