Skip to main content

AtR Dharma Library

Library shortcuts

Continue exploring the core readings, free books, audio and full Dharma library.

Browse Must Reads ↗ — begin with Seven Stages, then On Anatta.

ChatGPT on the Sound of One Hand Clapping, Needs Lankavatara Sutra Next

By
13m 
Shared with Your friends
Friends
Aiyo... ChatGPT turns into AF after anatta. Needs to read Lankavatara Sutra on no inherent characteristics.
Soh:
What is the sound of one hand clapping?
ChatGPT:
The phrase "the sound of one hand clapping" is a Zen kōan, a type of riddle or paradox used in Zen Buddhism to test and challenge a student's understanding of the nature of reality. The koan is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a tool for meditation and introspection. The point of the koan is to lead the student to a deeper understanding of the self and the world by questioning the mind's usual ways of thinking and perception. The answer to the koan is not a sound, but rather a realization or enlightenment.
Soh:
The sound of one hand clapping is the sound without a hearer. There is no two-ness, no duality of a hearer and a sound, hence there is only sound. This is the realization.
ChatGPT:
Exactly, the koan "the sound of one hand clapping" is not meant to have a literal answer, but to challenge one's understanding of the nature of reality, specifically the duality of subject and object. It is meant to question the idea that sound needs an observer or hearer to exist and instead points to the idea that sound is an inherent characteristic of the universe and that the division of subject and object is just a human construct. The realization that you described is the understanding that in the ultimate reality, there is no duality, there is no subject and object, there is no separate self and the world, there is only the unity of the all. This realization is often associated with the attainment of enlightenment in Buddhism.
All reactions:
3
Like
Comment
Share

1 comment

Comments

The AtR Dharma Library

Must Reads

New here? Begin with Seven Stages, then On Anatta. Explore the full collection below.

View full list on page →

New in the AtR library

Latest posts

Up to 20 recent articles, newest publication first.

Browse more posts below.

Browse more posts →

AtR Library

Browse books, articles, recordings and ways to follow AtR.

Start Here →Recommended readings and the free AtR guides John Tan’s Website ↗
Free Books
    View section on page →
    Featured Articles
      View section on page →
      Audio & Video
        View section on page →
        Further Reading
          View section on page →
          Follow Awakening to Reality
            View section on page →
            Full library on page

            Search AtR

            Examples: anatta · I AM · emptiness · dependent origination · Zen · Mahamudra · Dzogchen

            Try Google for broader results ↗

            Google searches this site in a new tab.