anyone who has studied buddhism has had to run into this situation: you ask a question, only to get your question answered with another one. for someone used to the old-school “the bible say this, and this is the answer, so go believe it,” it can be frustrating.

at the same time, it really does force you to think. i recently asked a detailed question of an e-lama on a web site, and someone answered back with a three-word question.

i’ll get the hang of this yet.

so what is the sound of one hand clapping?