A young monk heard of the Master's reputation.
He leaves home to study at the monastery.
One cloudy day, when the Master is resting under a big pine by the
dharma hall, ....the monk asks the Master,
"It is said that enlightenment is like waking up.
What do we wake up from, Teacher?"
Replied the Master.....
"The idea that you'll wake up."
"Then what's the difference between
those who are awake and those who are asleep?"...asked the persistent monk
Replied the Master....
"Such distinctions don't exist.
You create the idea of waking and sleeping and project them onto people."
"Am I awake then?"
"No."
"Then I am sleeping?"
"No.
You believe the thought "I am awake" or "I am asleep" means something.
You create distinctions where none exist.
To what or to whom is it....that such distinctions apply?
Find that thing,.... to which you believe such ideas apply.
You're(as you have assumed yourself to be) are trapped in a world of
your own making,
arising from that assumption.
But you as you truly are, are not trapped at all.
Watch these thoughts arise and find out to whom or to what do they hold
a relevance
and be done with these games"....replied the Master.
The dinner bell rings.
The Master bows quickly and scampers off to the kitchen to prepare for
dinner.
*//*
