this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2025
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This is at least partially incorrect- in Zen, the goal is to cultivate a Buddha nature, such at any point of time doing any action, you have a sudden insight and achieve enlightenment. Everything is about setting yourself up for sudden enlightenment.
Not sure what you mean by incorrect as it's not defining peeling potatoes as the goal of Zen Buddhism.
I've practiced it and taken part in their retreats. The instruction for cleaning and cooking service was very much to just focus on what you're doing - like just peel the potatoes. Not thinking about peeling them. Not looking for a deeper meaning in it. Not narrating a humble-brag story about yourself piously peeling them. This quote is accurate but doesn't make for an exciting overview of Zen philosophy or practice.
But you can't try to reach that state. When you include the context of the rest of the talk, it is more clear that that's the point that was being made.
Lmao there is no goal you silly fool! 😏
Right, every religion prescribes reflection of some sort. Only the non-religious simply peel potatoes.
But also why would you peel potatoes?