This morning, after ‘thanking’ meditation, Sensei asked the Monks to get candles for themselves.
Sensei instructed each of the monks to light a candle and place it on the window sill. Sensei said, “Pray to someone before you light the candle and let us all see whose candle lasts the longest.”
The monks were excited by this unusual exercise and began the test.
Eager Monk tried first. He lit his candle, but a sudden gust of wind extinguished it in a few seconds. He was disappointed.
Patient Monk stood near the window, bowed deep in prayer and then lit his candle. But the candle was snuffed out soon.
Angry Monk did not pray. He tried to light his candle in anger, but the wick did not catch the flame. He growled and returned to his seat.
Humble Monk took his candle and showed it to Sensei and Buddha; then he deeply bowed to the candle and lit it. It lasted for a few seconds!
Finally it was Head Monk’s turn. The monks were surprised to see Head Monk look out of the window and take a deep bow. Then Head Monk lit his candle. It remained lit and did not get extinguished!
The monks were very surprised.
After a while, Head Monk looked out of the window, bowed again and gently blew out his candle.
All the monks cheered for him.
Sensei asked the Monks to share with everyone whom they had prayed to.
Eager Monk said, “Sensei, I prayed to Fire Buddha. But alas, my candle did not remain lit.”
Patient Monk said, “I prayed to the candle to support me. But my prayers were in vain.”
Humble Monk sadly said, “Sensei, I prayed to you, and to Fat Buddha. But you both let me down…”
Sensei giggled when he heard this.
Finally Head Monk spoke.
He bowed to Sensei and said, “I looked out of the window and prayed to the Wind. I requested that the wind help me in keeping my candle lit. And it did, by not blowing…”
Sensei clapped three times in delight and said, “To recognize your adversary and to accept them as they are is sign of awareness. To pray to your adversary and to request them to help you, is a sign of enlightenment….”
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