The simplest way I have seen it explained is as a Zen mantra. The idea is that you reach enlightenment by chopping wood and carrying water. And once you become enlightened all there is to do is chop wood and carry water.
In other words, life is all about doing hard work day by day. Doing that will eventually get you to a point of achievement. But when you get there, you will realize that you have to keep going. You have to keep chopping wood and carrying water.
I believe that life is all about hard work and pushing yourself. And there is nothing I would rather do for the rest of my life than chop wood and carry water.
