An ancient tale (or is it new?) of the Bodhisattva* relates how students once gathered to question the enlightened one. They all wanted to reach enlightenment too, and asked how to do so. The bodhisattva said "Enlightenment is like a thousand petal lotus. It is easy to get caught in one of the petals and dwell forever, but one should seek the center of the bud." Upon hearing this analogy, one student achieved enlightenment.
Another asked "How can one achieve enlightenment?" and the bodhisattva answered, "Enlightenment is like a lamp that always burns, yet ever must we re-light it." That student instantly received enlightenment.
A third student remained stubbornly silent. The bodhisattva picked up a tree limb and whacked the student on the head. The student fell face down in the mud and at once achieved enlightenment.
What is the aim of this story? That some must be hit over the head to achieve enlightenment? Or that a teacher must use all tools available?
*Bodhisattva--an enlightened being who has put off transcendence the better to help others reach enlightenment.
4 comments:
Great story, gybe ho! I'm not sure either -- are teachers masochists or sadists at heart? Perhaps both in turn. I think one cannot last long in teaching, however, without a firm sense of self. You can help other people, but only if they are willing to help themselves. And it does require even more effort than you think you can give (on both sides!)
I love the error message that says it did not post...then the five copies of the post that turn up. Gaaah!
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