This morning, after jumping meditation, Sensei requested the Monks to quietly stand in a line with a little distance between themselves.
Next, Sensei requested Silence Monk (who does not speak) to softly blindfold the standing Monks with silk handkerchiefs that he had given him.
After the Monks’ eyes were covered, Sensei gently said, “I will randomly walk and quietly stand in front of each of you and say, “Knock, knock”. I leave it to you to reply in any manner you wish”.
The Monks were excited by this casual game Sensei was playing with them!
Sensei quietly walked to Angry Monk and said, “Knock, Knock”
Angry Monk growled and said, “Come later; I’ve been asked to play a silly game by my Sensei just now.”
Sensei smiled and stood in front of Inquisitive Monk and said, “Knock, Knock”
Inquisitive Monk said, “Are you Truth or are you Knowledge knocking on my door?”
Sensei said, “I am neither Truth nor Knowledge. I am the Present. Sorry, you were not expecting me.”
Sensei left Inquisitive Monk, went to Laughing Monk and said, “Knock, Knock”
Laughing Monk began to laugh & laugh & laugh and said, “Go away whoever you are. I have Joy with me and no place for anyone else….”
Sensei smiled, clapped twice, walked away and stood in front of Arrogant Monk. Sensei said, “Knock, Knock”.
Arrogant Monk did not say anything.
Sensei again said, “Knock, Knock”.
Arrogant Monk did not reply and Sensei went away.
The next monk Sensei visited was Greedy Monk. Sensei said, “Knock, Knock”.
Greedy Monk said, “Who is there?”
Sensei said, “Who are you expecting?”
Greedy Monk said, “I am expecting Freedom”.
Sensei said, “And you expect Freedom to come to you, instead of you going to Freedom?”
Greedy Monk kept quiet and bowed. Sensei walked away.
The last Monk remaining was Head Monk. Sensei slowly walked towards him.
The moment Sensei stood in front of him, Head Monk bowed deeply and very emotionally said, “Sensei, Sensei, Sensei, please come in. For many lifetimes I have been waiting for you…”
Sensei was taken aback. Head Monk had his eyes covered and could not see anyone.
Sensei said, “How did you know I was standing in front of you?”
Head Monk bowed deeply and said, “Sensei, I had left the door open … and saw you instantly when you stood in front.”
Sensei clapped thrice, and asked all the Monks to remove their blindfolds.
Then Sensei said, “To receive what you want, you have to be open, ready and prepared. What you seek often visits you, but you seldom take notice…”
*****