"Dangerous Work" number 84 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

My feelings for this book have taken on a new flavor. Maybe just flavor du jour.

These miniatures are encouragements and come in different flavors. Some are shared as fellow dinners at the table of the Way. Some are instructions from a master to whoever will listen. Some of these miniature share the foibles of discovery what this menu we call life contains.

Today's miniature is framed like two chefs conferring about their apprentices. Maybe a bit of inside baseball. I totally don't get it. "The moonlight of wisdom is indeed lunar." What is this and why would Soen Roshi refer to is a "dangerous"? And what the hell does Aitken Roshi mean by "This teaching of etymology should gave the master pause."?

I'm sure that if you are not reading along, on page 94, it is difficult to get the flavor.

Some days the soup is too salty, some days it lacks punch, some days are 'a good day'. 

Today is a good day. Let's rest in our confusion.

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Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.