I read a story somewhere that goes like this:
In the beginning of the 20th century a rather pompous British diplomat was assigned to Japan. He heard about something called "Zen" and he decided to investigate it.
He had 6 Zen monks invited to dinner. Surely, he thought. I'll learn about Zen from one of them.
The diplomat sat at the head of the table, with all 6 Zen monks, 3 on each side of him, seated at the table.
After dinner was finished, he decided it was time to talk about Zen.
Putting down his drink, and clearing his throat for attention he addressed the monks saying,"Tell me then. I've heard a lot about this Zen thing. What is this Zen stuff all about?"
Now, it being a warm evening, there was an open paper fan sitting on the table.
One of the monks, we'll call him #1, picked up the opened fan and handed it to the next monk in line, #2.
Monk #2 then snapped the fan closed, and handed it to #3.
Number 3 flipped the closed fan across the table to monk #4.
Number 4 handed it to #5.
Number 5 opened the fan and handed it to #6.
Number 6 then fanned himself with the open fan .....and put it back down on the table.
The diplomat never did undertand the answer...and was always puzzled by the mystery of this "Zen" thing.
