To: K-list
Recieved: 2002/08/29 06:55
Subject: [K-list] Koan #3
From: Lbra782595
On 2002/08/29 06:55, Lbra782595 posted thus to the K-list:
A rich man came to a zen master and asked to be taught zen.
"You must come and live in the monastary for a while; take your meals meals
with us and work as you are assigned," replied the master.
So the man left his wealth in the care of his wife and children and, with
promises to return as soon as he could, went to live at the monastary.
He then went to the master and asked, "What is the fastest method by which I
can learn zen?"
"There is a stable master in the village who is in desparate need of someone
to clean his stables every day. If you work for him for free, you will learn
zen as quickly as any man who ever lived," the zen master said.
So the man went to work for the stable master for free. After the first week
the man was somewhat upset because he still had not learned zen. So he
returned to the zen master. "This work has not taught me zen, Sir" he said
irritably
"Really?" said the master. "Try another week of work there, but this time
try to be grateful that you are learning zen by the fastest method possible."
So the man returned to the stables for another week. As he worked, he
reminded himself that the zen master said to be grateful. So he began to
notice how grateful the stable master was. Why even the horses seemed
grateful to have clean stalls in which to stay. So in his turn, too, he
became grateful. But after another week, he still did not feel he had
attained zen. So he returned to the zen master.
"Sir, I am grateful that I see the gratefulness of the stable master and the
animals for which I care, but I still do not believe I have not learned zen,"
he said.
The zen master looked thoughtful and then replied, "Try one week more, but
this time, know that it is Divine Will guiding your hands as you work each
day."
A week later the man returned to the zen master, but this time said nothing.
"What have you learned this week?" asked the master.
To which the man replied, "Who will clean the stables if I do not?"
The master's face only betrayed the faintest hint of a smile as he said, "A
shepherd who lives nearby has fallen ill. Can you tend his flock until he
recovers?"
Jason B
pt6YBB/NXiEAA/MVfIAA/AtTslB/TM
http://www.kundalini-gateway.org
http://www.domin8rex.com/serpent/spirit/kindex.htm
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