Zen and having a great time

In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain.
Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD)


The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.
Ursula K. LeGuin


There was once a Zen student who loved to play pool and drink beer.  He thought that was the pinnacle of having a good time.  On Saturday, he convinced his fellow Zen students to go out to a bar and play pool with him.  He invited the teacher, Zen Master Seung Sahn, to come with him promising an evening of American fun.   While all the Zennies were drinking beer and talking (neither to the point of intoxication, of course), the Zen student taught the Zen Master how to play pool.  After a while, he turned to the Zen Master and said, "Isn't this fun?  I am having a great time."  


The Zen Master grabbed the closest billiard ball and tossed it through a large picture window.  After the crash, the crowd went wild.  Many people piled on top of the Zen Master.  Some where trying to protect him and others were trying grab him.  A barroom brawl ensued.  The bartender called the police who broke up the fight and arrested the Zen Master.  As the police were leading him out of the bar, he turned to the Zen student as asked, "Where is your good time now?"


Commentary: How often do we manipulate circumstance to get what we think will make us happy?  Does it actually work?  Is it the best use of our energy?  How can we appreciate and use what we already have?  In the 1970's TV show, there was a psychiatrist character named Major Sidney Freedman who said on a couple of occasions, "Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice: Pull down your pants and slide on the ice."  


In a nutshell: A foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grow it under his feet.

James Oppenheim