In Tang dynasty, a lot of monks travelled thousands of miles to Kwan-yin Monastery, which was located in Zhaozhou, Hebei, in order to pursue Buddhism. After the breakfast, a monk walked beside a master and consulted him: “Could you please tell me what Chan is since I just begin my monastic life?”

 

The master asked: “Have you had porridge?”

 

The monk replied: “Yes.”

 

The master said: “Then why not to wash your alms bowl?”

 

After hearing this, the monk was lost in thought.

 

 

Comments: Washing alms bowl means that Chan cannot be separated from daily life. Actually, Chores exemplifies the spirit of Chan and vice versa.