/lit/ - Literature

>>19570271
>>19572394
>>19572405
Nansen does kill the cat.

Zen views the distinction between subject and object as delusion. Killing the cat kills off the origin of delusive thoughts, especially for people studying Zen and who would look for a "turning word" Nansen demanded.

Joshu, who is enlightened, doesn't engage. You can imagine him thinking "Nansen, you are talking about a cat, but I don't understand you" and having no regard for this concept or even the proper use of sandals.

Nansen represents the side of Zen that kills everything. Joshu represents the side of Zen that gives life to everything. It's one of the most famous koans for a reason.