Successor

The old Zen master's health was fading. Knowing his death was near, he announced to all the monks that he soon would be passing down his robe and rice bowl to appoint the next master of the monastery. His choice, he said, would be based on a contest. Anyone seeking the appointment was required to demonstrate his spiritual wisdom by submitting a poem. The head monk, the most obvious successor, presented a poem that was well composed and insightful. All the monks anticipated his selection as their new leader. However, the next morning another poem appeared on the wall in the hallway, apparently written during the dark hours of the night. It stunned everyone with it's elegance and profundity but no one knew who the author was. Determined to find this person, the old master began questioning all the monks. To his surprise, the investigation led to the rather quiet kitchen worker who pounded rice for the meals. Upon hearing the news, the jealous head monk and his comrades plotted to kill their rival. In secret, the old master passed down his robe and bowl to the rice pounder, who quickly fled from the monastery, later to become a widely renowned Zen teacher.

People's reactions to this story:

"The person who everyone thinks is best doesn't always end up winning."

"The obvious choice is not always the best choice."

"Expect the unexpected. Take nothing for granted."

"People you would never expect to be the 'ONE' usually turn out to be the best, if they're just given a chance."

"The people who act like they are smart aren't really smart at all."

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Empty Your Cup

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "You are like this cup," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup."

People's reactions to this story:

"Some people want to be taught everything in one sitting. It's not possible."

"Even though you may be full of knowledge, you should always be open to the fact that there is still more to learn."

"I think the master was trying to show him that when you can no longer take it is time to give - and you must sometimes give in order to receive."

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Working Very Hard

A martial arts student went to his teacher and said earnestly, "I am devoted to studying your martial system. How long will it take me to master it." The teacher's reply was casual, "Ten years." Impatiently, the student answered, "But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very hard. I will practice everyday, ten or more hours a day if I have to. How long will it take then?" The teacher thought for a moment, "20 years."

People's reactions to this story:

"The student is too eager. The master is trying to tell him that he needs to learn patience first."

"Sometimes, if you try too hard, you just get in your own way. It makes you anxious, which just blocks understanding. Some things have to develop naturally, by themselves."

"This story makes me think about life. If you want to do something, then just let it happen. Don't push it. the harder you try, the longer it will take."