Is that so?

[Gonzo]

The origin of "Is that so?"

A beautiful girl in the village was pregnant. Her angry parents demanded to know who was the father. At first resistant to confess, the anxious and embarrassed girl finally pointed to Hakuin, the Zen master whom everyone previously revered for living such a pure life. When the outraged parents confronted Hakuin with their daughter's accusation, he simply replied "Is that so?"

When the child was born, the parents brought it to the Hakuin, who now was viewed as a pariah by the whole village. They demanded that he take care of the child since it was his responsibility. "Is that so?" Hakuin said calmly as he accepted the child.

For many months he took very good care of the child until the daughter could no longer withstand the lie she had told. She confessed that the real father was a young man in the village whom she had tried to protect. The parents immediately went to Hakuin to see if he would return the baby. With profuse apologies they explained what had happened. "Is that so?" Hakuin said as he handed them the child.

[Mornings Sun]

So 'Is that so' is a strategy to pacify an accusation, that give rise to conflict and suffering- no matter what. He took all the suffering and blame on him.

As a signature it gives another twist, right?

[Gonzo]

No suffering...no blame. To me this is a fine example of being unconcerned. In regard unconcern, here's a link to a rather good explanation: http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/The_Blue_Cliff_Record,_Case_24

On my other computer I have also a related quip from The Blue Cliff Record which I'll post later.

As a signature, it really signifies a personal goal.

[Mornings Sun]

argh! Its so difficult to talk about zen. In a way he is very concerned taking care of the baby and the situation, but yes he is unconcerned too. The point is acceptance of what is in the moment.

You know the story behind 'every day is a good day'? This is the same in other words.

Is it a personal goal to question your own posts?
Like a koan you give yourself?

***
I like to have this rare chance to go into the old texts with you Gonzo. Thank you for bringing this forward.

Cheers