Digest Number 1611

[Guest guest]

> Nisargadatta , Pedsie2@a... wrote:

>> A mendicant ascetic sat down where the Buddha

>> was instructing the monks. He listened attentively

>> until the Buddha finished the sermon and then

>> admonished the Awakened one to return to the

>> life of austerities. The Buddha listened in silence,

>> bowed respectfully, and left without saying a word.

>>

>> Next day, the ascetic attended the sermon

>> and again, reproached the Buddha for

>> his life of ease. Gautama listened in silence and,

>> left without answering. This scene repeated

>> itself every day for a month, until Ananda could not

>> contain himself any longer, and asked the Buddha,

>>

>> " Master, why are you ignoring the questions of that

>> ascetic? "

>>

>> " Ananda, if I answer him he will not understand and

>> will wander off still thinking he is right. My refusal

>> to answer keeps him here listening to us. As soon

>> as he is ready I will speak to him. "

>>

>> Ananda feeling sorry for the ascetic who was by

>> this time visibly hurt and angry by Buddha's silence,

>> approached him next day and said, " Please,

>> noble sir, don't be sadden by my master

>> silence. He will answer all your questions

>> as soon as you are ready to understand. "

>>

>> The Ascetic laughed with scorn, " It is your master

>> who is learning from me, and who is afraid to

>> answer my questions, but fear not, I'll stay here

>> for as long as it takes to instruct him. "

>>

>> Ananda bowed to him and walked away

>> hardly able to contain his amusement.

>>

>> Pete

>>

> **************************

> Nice story Pete. But who is right? The buddha? or the Ascetic?

> If you say the buddha. YOU ARE WRONG.

> if you say the ascetic.YOU ARE WRONG.

> If you say both. YOU ARE WRONG.

> If you say none. YOU ARE WRONG.

>

> What do you say Sith Man? ;0)

>

> I'm waiting patiantly your answer Mister!

>

> Odysseus,

>

 

what is the answer to a black comedy?