user-1: A very famous, so famous it may be apocryphal, zen quote says:

Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop
  wood carry water.

What does this mean? Specifically, is the discourse saying that time without effort is wasted time?

user69: Admittedly, I am not a well-versed student of Zen ... or Buddhism for that matter. However, I will offer my interpretation: Before you achieve enlightenment you will have to do chores associated with everyday living. Then, even after becoming enlightened, you will still have to do the same chores - becoming enlightened does remove the need to deal with everyday things.

-1: <p>A very famous, so famous it may be apocryphal, zen quote says:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop
  wood carry water.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>What does this mean? Specifically, is the discourse saying that time without effort is wasted time?</p>
 69: <p>Admittedly, I am not a well-versed student of Zen ... or Buddhism for that matter. However, I will offer my interpretation: Before you achieve enlightenment you will have to do chores associated with everyday living. Then, even after becoming enlightened, you will still have to do the same chores - becoming enlightened does remove the need to deal with everyday things.</p>
