Last evening just after sunset, Sensei told the monks, “Please go into to the forest behind the southern wall of the Monastery. I have lost a golden idol there and I want you to find it.”
Just as the monks were preparing to leave, Sensei clapped twice and said, “Oh, I forgot to mention that there is a snake in the forest where you will be searching for my idol.”
Most of the monks grew visibly pale when they heard about the snake. Sweat broke out on the face of Timid Monk.
Notwithstanding their fears, since Sensei had ordered them to perform a task, the monks went into the forest & began looking for the golden idol.
***
This morning, after humming meditation, Sensei asked the monks if they had found his golden idol and to share their experiences in the forest.
Humble Monk came up first and said, “Sensei, I was shivering all the time. It was cold and scary. The fact that there was a snake around drove me crazy. I just kept chanting prayers and could not focus on anything.”
Sensei smiled at him with compassion.
Truthful Monk came next and said, “Sensei, I entered the forest and walked five feet and then rushed back to the Monastery. I did not have the courage to follow your complete order. I apologise and will respect the punishment you give me.”
Sensei giggled and gestured Truthful Monk to relax.
Silent Monk came up, bowed to Sensei and then swayed his head to and fro as a signal that he had failed in his mission. Silent Monk then returned to his seat.
Medical Monk spoke next and said, “I spent all the time looking for Anti Venom in the dispensary. When I could not find it, I did not go into the forest. I took the decision that my life was more precious that your order.”
Sensei nodded as acknowledgement.
Angry Monk spoke up next and shouted and said, “Sensei, why do you have to play with our lives? We could have looked for the idol in the morning, in the bright sunshine. You should have not lost your idol in the first place, and if you did, then you could have gone to look for it yourself…”
Sensei clapped twice and laughed loudly, as if he was in agreement with Angry Monk!
Head Monk came up last and bowed to Sensei and then to Buddha. Then he slowly took out a cloth bag from his robe pocket and placed it gently in Sensei’s lap.
Sensei’s eyes gleamed and he opened the cloth bag and reached inside it.
Slowly, Sensei then showed the monks what Head Monk had brought him. It was a Golden Snake Idol!
Head Monk spoke and said, “When Sensei asked us to look for a golden idol in the forest, that is all I heard. The fact that there was a snake did not bother me. I knew that Sensei would protect us. Soon, I saw a shining golden object and when I noticed it was in the shape of a snake, I smiled.”
Sensei clapped three times and said, “When you have to achieve something, you have to focus on the goal and not on the fears that people tell you about. Sometimes, goals are nothing but fears that need to be overcome….”
*****