American dog say, 'Woof, woof.' Korean dog say, 'Mung, mung.' Polish dog say, 'How, how.' So which dog barking is correct? That is human beings' barking, not 'dog' barking. If dog and you become one hundred percent one, then you know sound of barking. This is Zen teaching. Boom! Become one.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the notion that understanding transcends language and cultural differences; true understanding comes from a deeper, unified experience.
This quote by Seung Sahn illustrates a core principle of Zen teaching: that reality and understanding go beyond mere words or sounds. It suggests that the true essence of communication, whether in relation to dogs barking or human interactions, lies in a deep connection that is felt rather than articulated. By indicating that the sounds attributed to dogs vary by culture, he points out that these are constructs of human perception—yet when one emerges into a state of oneness with another being, the true 'barking' or essence can be felt and understood without language. This understanding encourages one to seek unity and deeper comprehension in all aspects of life.
In practice
In a mindfulness workshop discussing the importance of presence and understanding.
Correct meditation means correctly understanding your situation moment by moment - what are you doing now? Only do it! Then, each action is complete; each action is enough. Then no thinking, so each moment I can perceive everything just like this.
Sure I believe in God and the Devil, but they don't have to have pitchforks and a long white beard.
True time is four-dimensional.
Beware the horns of a bull, the heels of the horse, and the smile of an Englishman.
Sanctification is not a work of nature, but a work of grace. It is a transformation of character effected not by moral influences, but supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.
All knowledge that is about human society, and not about the natural world, is historical knowledge, and therefore rests upon judgment and interpretation. This is not to say that facts or data are nonexistent, but that facts get their importance from what is made of them in interpretation… for interpretations depend very much on who the interpreter is, who he or she is addressing, what his or her purpose is, at what historical moment the interpretation takes place.
It is man's consolation that the future is to be a sunrise instead of a sunset.
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