Chop wood and carry water
The joy of home ownership can be found in the mundane
Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. — Zen proverb
This passage is so simple and yet can be interpreted in a number of ways.
It can mean that even when you reach a pinnacle of achievement, you’ll still have to complete everyday mundane tasks. That never goes away.
OR it can mean that enlightenment is actually found through routine and everyday mundane tasks, not despite them. Happiness is a habit, as Thich Nhat Hanh says.
OR it can mean that enlightenment and peak happiness is an inward journey. To the outside world it looks like nothing has changed, even if everything has transformed in your eyes.
OR it can mean that life goes on, and success and happiness don’t mean you get whisked to a mountaintop or a corner suite to spend your days in bliss. You wake up the next day and the world keeps spinning.
I think my favorite interpretation is that changing your life DOESN’T bring happiness, contentment or enlightenment. Moving to a new state, getting a promotion, finding a partner, having kids — none of that by itself brings fulfillment. It’s inside the whole time.
