Sensei and the Monks attended an international movie festival that showcased different movies from all over the world. Some movies were well known, while others were debuting for the first time at the festival.
After watching the movies for a few continuous days, Sensei gathered everyone in courtyard of drooping willows (located adjacent to the main hall) and asked the few monks to describe their experiences.
Honest Monk said, “It was quite boring. I think people make movies for themselves.”
Angry Monk said, “What a torture. Sensei could have treated us to better punishment in the Monastery.”
Mischief Monk said, “The hippie girls who were in the audience looked nice.”
Inquisitive Monk said, “Some of the movies were interesting. I like to hear foreign languages and their accents. For me, the festival was a treat.”
Sensei kept smiling while hearing the monks’ comments.
In the end, Truthful Monk spoke up and said, “I loved the Intervals. The yummy snacks, the hot coffee & tea, the fun of meeting interesting people, is what I enjoyed.”
Sensei clapped thrice and said, “Our lives are like these movies. Some of us live boring lives, some live strange lives and some even sad lives. A few of us have lives that people cannot understand. And that cannot be changed. But ever so often, there is an Interval granted to all of us. Make the best of it! Enjoy the moments between our movie-like lives and treat yourself to the simple pleasures. The Interval, sometimes, is the best part of the Movie.”
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