Comic #1314: 2008-11-25

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Description

The comic features two Buddhist monks in a colorful illustration. The monk on the left appears distressed, with a pained expression as a bright yellow background radiates from his head, suggesting an intense experience. The monk on the right stands confidently behind him, wearing a smirk and a red robe.

At the bottom of the image, the caption reads:

"Monks who failed to achieve enlightenment were given the alternate answer to 'what is the sound of one hand clapping?'"

This visual and text combination plays on the philosophical question about enlightenment in Zen Buddhism, humorously implying that the answer for those who have not achieved it is connected to the struggle depicted in the illustration.