This is the first in a series of timeless Zen stories. As in any story the interpretations and effects it has on each person can be varied. Discover something about yourself and let me know what this means to you.
At the end of the story I have also included some interpretations from various people.
The full list of these stories can be found in the book "Zen Stories To Tell Your Neighbors"
Roshi Kapleau agreed to educate a group of psychoanalysts about Zen. After
being introduced to the group by the director of the analytic institute, the
Roshi quietly sat down upon a cushion placed on the floor.
A student entered, prostrated before the master, and then seated himself on another cushion a few feet away, facing his teacher. "What is Zen?" the student asked. The Roshi produced a banana, peeled it, and started eating.
"Is that all? Can't you show me anything else?" the student said. "Come closer, please," the master replied. The student moved in and the Roshi waved the remaining portion of the banana before the student's face. The student prostrated, and left.
A second student rose to address the audience. "Do you all understand?"
When there was no response, the student added, "You have just witnessed a first-rate demonstration of Zen. Are there any questions?"
After a long silence, someone spoke up. "Roshi, I am not satisfied with your demonstration. You have shown us something that I am not sure I understand. It must be possible to TELL us what Zen is."
"If you must insist on words," the Roshi replied, "then Zen is an elephant copulating with a flea."
People's reactions to this story:
"What an image this story brings to mind! I see that the infinite universe as large as that may be, is equally matched by the infinite microscopic world, joining the two in perfect harmony."
"On a first reading, the final line suggests that Zen is profane or absurd. Surely this cannot be what the Roshi intended to convey. Perhaps what the Roshi means is that putting Zen into words is profane or absurd."
"Some things are better learned through observation....Words only skew ones ability to establish an honest and personal opinion."
"Describe the colour red to a man who has been blind from birth. Zen is more than words, fitting it into the confinement of language is like an elephant trying to copulate with a flea. It just wouldn't fit."
"Zen is Zen and if you understood it you would not ask."
"He is saying in symbolism how futile it is to understand Zen if you believe you can learn it
through words when the only way to truly understand is through actions and feelings. This story really makes you think."
"Maybe Its inconceivable!"
"To attempt to put Zen into words is as impossible as an elephant copulating with a Flea."
"On top of a flagpole a cow gives birth to a calf."
"My reaction to the story is that trying to explain Zen in words, or even with observations, is as impossible as an 'elephant copulation with a flea.' Also, to be able to explain meaning of Zen in words is an admission that one does not understand the meaning of Zen."
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The real Zen in this story is the banana in the room not the elephant. The Roshi produced a banana due to hunger. It represented the cycle of life and connection to all things material. Eating the banana in a Zen fashion disregarding the questions and talking he demonstrated his ability to be in the moment. The student had the typical uncontrolled mind and could not be silent or still and expected a spoken lesson which of coarse is mostly fruitless.
I Actually understand it. I choose to live in the moment also rather than the past or future.