When reading about the sound of water in a Zen context more than one reader must have thought about the most famous Koan of all.
What is the sound of one hand clapping.
The sound of one hand clapping often comes from above. A hand clapping a head. A way for someone to say. I understand. You don't understand.
I am better than you.
To point out bad understanding is right. Often an obligation. A straightforward approach is usually most effective. Sometimes we need to be harsh. But never patronizing. Never pat someone's head.
The patronizing pat on the head is common. Too often people will hear the sound of one hand clapping from above even if it comes from the side. From a friendly pat on the shoulder for example. Better not pat at all. Just point out their bad understanding. But some will still hear the sound of one hand clapping. From above. They defend themselves.
Do not argue. Their receptiveness is gone.
When pointing out someone's bad understanding we must do to that. Only that. Sometimes we can show them where to find facts. Even tell a few of them. But not try to convince them of our understanding. It is their bad understanding that needs to change. Into their good understanding. Not into our better understanding. It is they who have to understand. On their own. To point at the superiority of our understanding is to tap their heads. All attempts to convince them of our understanding will just create the sound of one hand clapping. From above.
Is this the answer to the Koan question. The hidden meaning. No. But that most famous Koan of all is a good example of bad understanding.
It is a Koan that doesn't exist.
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