As memory serves, Pirsig defines MU in ZMM which is a Zen no-no, but
Pirsig has this tendency to define everything in terms of the intellect.
Anyway, MU is a famous Koan given by Joshu to his students (a koan is a
Zen teaching device; its answer is supposed to transcend logical
thought). Joshu was asked by his students, "Does a dog have Buddha
nature?" He replied, "MU" which in Japanese means "No" or "Not" but can
be interpreted as,
"The question you posit has no answer." Zen novices are to this day are
tortured by MU. The Zen master claims that MU is a red-hot ball of iron
in the novice's throat.
Let it be so,
Jeff
"When is a man in mere understanding? When he sees one thing seperate
from another.
When is a man above mere understanding? When a man sees all in all, thern
a man stands
beyond mere understanding."-Eckhardt
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