What is the sound of one hand clapping?

Stevo

It is a hakuin from Zen Buddhism. More cynical Westerners say it is the sound of a slap in the face. Apr 02 02, 7:12 AM

Senior Moments

This is a famous Zen Buddhist koan, or riddle, such as Zen masters use to instruct their pupils. The koan in question, devised by the Japanese Zen master Hakuin (1686-1769), is as follows: In clapping both hands, a sound is heard. What is the sound of one hand? (In casual discussion this is usually corrupted to: What is the sound of one hand clapping?) Unsophisticated persons are generally inclined to answer with something like 'half a clap,' which signifies that they have not yet achieved Buddha nature. After several years of dedicated meditating, however, they learn the correct response, which is to face the questioner, assume an appropriate Buddhist posture, and without a word thrust one hand forward. This is from 'The Sound of the One Hand: 281 Zen Koans with Answers' by Hau Hoo. Apr 02 02, 7:20 AM