One more Story - Ram Chugani, Kobe, Japan

[Guest guest]

Let me share with you one more story from Zen Buddhism.

 

The master was walking through the fields one day, when a young man

with a troubled look on his face approached him.

 

He appeared very disturbed and could not grasp anything told by the

master. The master invited him for a stroll.

 

After a while, both of them sat near a pond. The master advised the

youngster to throw a pebble into the pond. Ripples spread all over

the pond.

 

The master asked him where the ripples came from, The young-ester

promptly replied that the ripples were caused by the pebble.

 

" Please reach your hand into the water and stop the ripples, " the

master commended.

 

Not understanding the implication of the master's words, the young

man stuck out his hand into the water as ripple neared him, but it

only caused more ripples.

 

" Were you able to stop the ripples with your hands? The master asked.

" No, master, I only caused more ripples.

 

" What if you had stopped the pebble from entering the water to began

with? " ...The master smiled and continued, " The next time you are

unhappy with your life, catch the stone before it hits the water. Do

not spend time trying to undo what you have done. Rather change your

act before you do it. " The master looked kindly towards the young man.

 

" But master, how will I know what I am going to do before i do it?

" Take responsibility for living your own life. If you are working

with a doctor to treat an illness, ask the doctor to help you

understand what caused the illness. Do not just treat the ripples.

Keep asking yourself questions. "

 

The young man gaped at the master, his mind reeling. He gathered

courage to ask, " But I came to you to ask you for answers..... Do

you mean that I have the answers?

 

You may not know the answers right now, but if you ask the right

questions, then you shall discover the answers.

 

" But what are the right questions; master?

 

" There are no wrong questions; there may be only unasked ones. We

must ask for without asking, we cannot receive answers. But it is

your responsibility to ask. No one else do that for you.

 

During the second youth meet at Brindavan, Swami prompted us -The sai

youth of Kerala- ask many questions in order to clarify doubts

arising in our monkey minds. When compassionate Lord places a problem

before us, He grants the solution too!

 

Swami solved our doubts through our respected, 'warden' sir...who has

had the good fortune of learning these lessons directly from our

loving Lord.

 

I had the the opportunity of learning these lessons directly from

loving Lord Said Dr.Koushik Narayan. I had the opportunity to be

with 'warden' sir for five glorious days in Brindavan, listening to

the words of wisdom from the noble teacher and mentor.

 

I was taken back to the Upanishadhic way of learning with the

students sitting in front of the teacher, free to ask any question,

being sure of getting the best solution reinforced with the authority

of experience.

 

The questions and answers have been compiled into a book for the

benefit of spiritual seekers all over the world. Studying and

contemplating on these answers will be of great help in equipping

ourselves with the knowledge and confidence for overcoming all the

obstacles that we may encounter on the path, said Dr. Koushik Narayan.

 

(Sharing with Sai Love) Ram.Chugani.