Stories

A new student was greeted by Master Li and shown to his hut where he was to meditate and practice. After a while, he noticed some students nearby were talking and laughing and not behaving as they should. He went to see the master and told him about the distractions and asked for the best place where he could deeply cultivate his practice. The master listened and then drew a map of a hut he was supposed to go to. The student began following the map, through the grounds of the temple and then through the gardens. At last, he came to the hut where he was to go. He looked up and realized; it was the same hut he had complained about.

-Roshi Hogan

Once after meditation, Master Li was scheduled to give a talk. He stood up and smiled at the students and then walked out of the building without saying a word. A few days later, a student walked up to Master Li and said, “Master, that was so powerful last week. We were all touched by that silent message you gave us.” Master Li frowned and said, “Actually, I just had laryngitis and could not speak. I do not know what silent message you are talking about.”

The Empty Boat