Avdhut throws light on a Zen Story in the Guru Sannidhyan. Here is a mystical Zen story about a Master who imparts Buddha's teachings to a disciple in an unconventional and seemingly enigmatic manner.
Article | May 27, 2024
Avdhut started his usual style to narrate this story. He mentioned the different examples I have given to you. This is another story of finding mental strength and getting flexibility and clarity in stillness.
Story: In a secluded bamboo grove on the outskirts of a bustling city, there lived an old Zen master named Kenso. He had spent many years meditating and teaching the way of Zen. His reputation for wisdom and tranquility spread far and wide, attracting students from various walks of life.
Among Kenso's students was a young man named Haruki. Haruki was eager to understand the mysteries of Zen and to find peace amidst the chaos of his life. He approached Kenso one day with a question that had been troubling him.
"Master," Haruki began, "I have been meditating and studying diligently, but I still feel restless and confused. How can I find true peace and enlightenment?"
Kenso nodded thoughtfully and said, "Come with me, Haruki."
The master and his student walked silently through the bamboo grove until they reached a small, serene pond. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding bamboo stalks and the sky above. Kenso picked up a pebble and handed it to Haruki.
"Drop this pebble into the pond," Kenso instructed.
Haruki did as he was told. The pebble sank, creating ripples that spread across the surface of the water. Kenso waited until the ripples subsided and the water was calm again.
"Now, look into the pond and tell me what you see," Kenso said.
Haruki peered into the water and replied, "I see my reflection, Master."
"Good," Kenso replied. "Now, I want you to stir the water with your hand."
Haruki hesitated but followed the master's instruction. As he stirred the water, his reflection became distorted, and the once-clear image turned blurry and chaotic.
"What do you see now?" Kenso asked.
"I see nothing but confusion," Haruki answered.
Kenso smiled gently and said, "The pond is like your mind. When it is calm and undisturbed, you can see clearly. But when it is agitated, clarity is lost. To find peace, you must learn to still the waters of your mind."
Haruki nodded, beginning to grasp the metaphor, but Kenso continued, "There is more. Follow me."
They walked deeper into the grove until they reached a clearing where a single, tall bamboo stood. The bamboo was strong yet flexible, swaying gracefully with the wind.
"Observe this bamboo," Kenso said. "It is both strong and adaptable. It bends with the wind but does not break. In this way, it survives and thrives."
Haruki looked at the bamboo and then at Kenso, awaiting further explanation.
"In life, you will face many challenges and disturbances, like the wind. If you remain rigid, you will break under pressure. But if you learn to bend and adapt, like this bamboo, you will find strength and resilience."
Haruki pondered these words, feeling a sense of understanding beginning to dawn.
"Master, how can I learn to be like the bamboo?" he asked.
Kenso led Haruki back to the pond and sat down on a flat rock, gesturing for Haruki to sit beside him. The master then began to tell a story.
"Many years ago, when I was a young monk, I too struggled with finding peace and clarity. My master, an old and wise monk named Ryokan, took me on a journey into the mountains. We traveled for days, facing harsh weather and difficult terrain. I was frustrated and exhausted, questioning the purpose of our journey.
"One evening, we reached a high peak. The view was breathtaking, but I was too tired and irritated to appreciate it. My master pointed to a large tree growing on the edge of a cliff. It was battered by strong winds, its branches twisted and gnarled.
"'Do you see that tree?' Ryokan asked me. 'It has faced countless storms, yet it still stands. It is not because it is unyielding, but because it has learned to bend and grow in harmony with the elements. Its strength lies in its flexibility.'
"That night, as we camped under the stars, I meditated on his words. I realized that my inner turmoil was like the storm battering that tree. I needed to cultivate inner flexibility and resilience to find peace amidst life's challenges."
Haruki listened intently, absorbing the wisdom in Kenso's story. He felt a deep sense of calm and clarity washing over him.
"Thank you, Master," Haruki said softly. "I understand now. I will strive to be like the bamboo and the tree, finding strength in flexibility and clarity in stillness."
Kenso smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Haruki's shoulder. "Remember, Haruki, the journey to enlightenment is not a destination but a continuous path. Embrace each moment with an open heart and a still mind, and you will find the peace you seek."
From that day forward, Haruki dedicated himself to practicing mindfulness and meditation with renewed purpose. He learned to navigate life's challenges with the grace of the bamboo and the resilience of the tree, finding true peace within himself. The bamboo grove became a sanctuary, where he and others discovered the profound wisdom of Zen under the guidance of Master Kenso.
Avdhut: This story depicts two things with clarity. It imparts several profound lessons on the journey to inner peace, resilience, and enlightenment. The very important points are the importance of a Calm Mind, Flexibility, and Resilience, Embracing the Continuous Journey, Learning from Nature, and The Value of Guidance and Humility.
The Importance of a Calm Mind
The clear pond serves as a metaphor for the mind. When undisturbed, it reflects clarity and peace, but when agitated, it becomes chaotic and confused. This illustrates the necessity of maintaining a calm and undisturbed mind to achieve clear perception and inner peace. The practice of mindfulness and meditation helps to still the "waters" of the mind, enabling one to see things as they truly are.
Flexibility and Resilience
The bamboo, which bends with the wind but does not break, symbolizes the strength found in adaptability. Life is full of challenges and disturbances akin to the wind. To survive and thrive, one must be flexible and resilient, adapting to changes rather than resisting them. This flexibility does not signify weakness but rather a profound inner strength that allows one to endure hardships without breaking.
Embracing the Continuous Journey
Master Kenso’s final lesson to Haruki emphasizes that the journey to enlightenment and inner peace is not a destination but an ongoing path. It requires continuous practice, open-heartedness, and mindfulness. Each moment should be embraced with an open heart and a still mind, recognizing that peace and enlightenment are found in the process, not a final endpoint.
Learning from Nature
Nature provides profound lessons for those who observe it closely. The pond and the bamboo in the story are natural elements that teach us about the states of the mind and the virtues of adaptability. Observing and learning from nature helps us align our lives with these fundamental truths.
The Value of Guidance and Humility
Haruki's journey shows the importance of seeking guidance from a wise teacher and approaching learning with humility. Despite his initial restlessness and confusion, Haruki's willingness to learn and apply the wisdom imparted by Master Kenso allows him to grow and find peace. This underscores the value of humility and the openness to learn from others, especially those who have walked the path before us.
"The Bamboo Grove" teaches that true peace and enlightenment are found through a calm and clear mind, flexible resilience in the face of life's challenges, and an ongoing commitment to mindfulness and openness. By observing and learning from nature, and by seeking and applying wise guidance, one can navigate the journey of life with grace and inner strength. Embracing each moment with an open heart and a still mind, akin to the undisturbed pond and the adaptable bamboo, allows one to find clarity and resilience, ultimately leading to inner peace and enlightenment.
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