After taking the high seat to preach to the assembly, Fa-yen raised his hand and pointed to the bamboo blinds. Two monks went over and rolled them up in the same way.

Fa-yen said, "One gains, one loses."

(Koan)

First reaction

What is the difference? The monks did the same thing. Why does one gain and one lose?


Exploration

Look at gain/loss.
Consider the fact that the two monks performed the same action.
Why does Fa-yen see the situation in terms of gain/loss?
What is his motive in saying this?
Were the monks in competition?

Possible meaning

By applying the concept of competition, victory/defeat, gain/loss in an arbitrary way, Fa-yen shows that these seeming values are attributed rather than inherent.

A football match or a race is usually seen in terms of winners and losers but the very game itself is predicated by certain fundamental preconceptions concerning competition.

Nobody gains. Nobody loses.

It is entirely conceptual and subjective. An interpretation of any event in terms of gain/loss is essentially meaningless and only has value if you choose to give it worth.
 

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