Developing Usable Experiences

Thumb and forefinger learning.

February 21st, 2008 7:20 am —  173 views

books2.JPGMost mornings I take a few moments to eat breakfast, drink coffee, and read a little. Not something for school, but something good for my brain. I’m now about one third the way through a book titled, “Wanting Englightenment Is a Big Mistake.” It is the compiled and edited teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn. Good morning material. Kicks crossword puzzle ass.

The chapter I read this morning was about this reporter trying to interview this Zen master. He keeps asking him what Buddhism is, what enlightenment means…lots of questions. And the Zen master keeps making the same gesture with his thumb and forefinger together. Frustrated he goes to the head of the monastery and asks that fellow what the gesture means. This guy opens his mouth and clicks his teach together three times. The reporter, confused, writes his article, without any notes, concluding that he is thoroughly confused. A woman reads it, becomes inspired, and seeks the Zen master. She hits him with a ton of her own questions. He replies to her with a question, “Why do you have only one mouth?” She didn’t know how to answer, her brain was completely stuck. She shaved her head and became a monk.

You are lucky to find the right question to get your mind stuck. A stuck yet struggling mind is strong. Head shaving is totally optional.

So the lesson in that chapter made me think of something that one of my professors asked me yesterday after I showed her the free business cards that the offers it’s masters degree students at the School of Information. It says on it, “Master of Science in Information.” She looks at it and asks, “Are you a master yet?” I pause, chuckle, then reach for my card back saying, “Actually no.” She hands it back. Two more years yet.

Image: This is another picture of the rows of books in the library I’ve been frequenting for my Wednesday night group meetings. The rows of books are so calming for some reason.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Thumb and forefinger learning.”

  1. Dawn on February 21st, 2008 8:13 am

    Some people think these calming rows of books should be taken to an off site storage facility to make room for more computer terminals. I would miss the books, but I do wonder how often they are used.

  2. Spike on February 21st, 2008 8:39 am

    I too look at them and wonder when the last time was that someone pulled them off the shelf and looked inside.

    Computer terminals are more likely to get used for sure. And if you can get at those same books digitally…all good.

  3. Helen Keayes on August 4th, 2008 11:35 pm

    Holding articles (a pen, for example, or chopsticks) between thumb and forefinger opens up paths in the brain which lead to becoming more astute and intelligent. Ham-fisted writers are not as clever nor as adaptable as those who hold their pen “correctly” between thumb and forefinger, resting on the balance of the hand curved underneath.

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