The ZEN-KOAN as Poem – The Same Question – X

The Master said : « How might TIME be snuffed out ? »

Said MONK-DISCIPLE 1 : « IT’s Twin-Sister will not let IT be flung down out-of-Space. »

Said M-D 2 : « I don’t agree ; it’s enough if the other twin immobilizes Her ‘with a grappling hold-down for 20 seconds’ or when she taps the arm, mat, self’ or when the other stops breathing. »

Said M-D 3 : « That also depends on whether neither is guilty of one «’grave infringement’ or 4 ‘slight infringements.’ »

Said M-D 4 : « My feeling is that there can be mistaken ‘foul-play’, even on the REFEREE’s part, .Some cry ‘osaekomi’ even while the other is not fully on her back, and the throw was not executed with force, speed and control. »

Said M-D 5 : « The same feeling entwines me : How may 2 waza-aris make for an IPPON ? That is, when 10 + 10 is supposed to equal an IPPON at 100 ? »

Said M-D 6 : « That’s right. You can’t tell me that a YUKO penalty – throwing the other on the side and immobilizing Her for less than 15 seconds is an ‘almost WAZA-ARI’. That is, 1 + 1 is supposed to be equal to 10 ? No fear !»

Said M-D 7 : « Well said, there should only be one form of WIN : speed and force of throw on Her back and pinning down during 20 seconds. »

Said M-D 8 : « That’s clearly put. I don’t go for that HANSAKU-MAKE stuff disqualifying the other for unsportsmanlike behaviour when the rules permit choking the other by applying pressure to the sides of the neck or windpipe. »

Said M-D 9 : « I agree with you, for applying an arm-lock to dislocate it is fair, especially as the JUDO-KA may cry : ‘MAITTA’ to give up the fight. »

Said M-D 10 : « Let’s face it, a clear sweep of an IPPON crowns the NIPPON’s art of sportsmanship ! »

Said M-D 11 : « Yet who wouldn’t pity the loser tapping out when subjected to suffocation by the other’s belly and pubic parts for over 20 seconds ? »


© T. Wignesan – Paris, October 14, 2022.