Some months ago, Sensei and the monks were visiting a coastal town, a few hours away from the Monastery.
As they were walking along the outskirts of the town, a large group of people had gathered around two tall, distinguished looking men who looked like brothers. The men were wearing swimming costumes and the moment they saw Sensei and the monks, they gracefully bowed to them.
Head Monk recognised them and told Sensei and the monks, “These are the famous Well Brothers. They are saints and their prayers have gifted them a unique blessing. When the taller brother approaches a well, he ‘senses’ if it has water in it or not. If it has water, then without looking, he jumps in! The other brother hears the sound of the splash and is able to ‘sense’ how deep the well is. The brothers have perfected this technique and have never been hurt or wrong in the past twenty years.”
Sensei clapped once and that surprised everyone.
The taller of the Well Brothers invited Sensei to walk along with them and witness their technique. Sensei and the monks agreed. As they walked from field to field, the group marvelled at the way the tall brother would just jump into a well (or stay away from it) and also how easily the other brother would call out the depth of the well if his brother had jumped in, by just hearing the splash.
Sensei clapped another time and told the two brothers, “Will you also walk with me to some fields? I too have something to show you!”
The monks, the Well Brothers and the large gathering were excited by Sensei’s invitation. They all eagerly accepted the invitation and followed Sensei.
At the next field a well was spotted. As the group walked towards it, much to the astonishment of everyone, the well began to overflow! The water began to gently cascade down the top of the well and into the fields. The Well Brothers were shocked. They just stared at the overflowing well. They had no role to play, when the well itself was overflowing.
The awestruck party travelled to the next field and the well began to overflow there also! This repeated itself many times over. It was now clear that Sensei has used his special powers on the wells.
At the overflowing well of the last field, the Well Brothers knelt down at the feet of Sensei. They were sobbing and would not get up. They had met their master. They surrendered themselves.
Sensei gathered them gently, clapped three times and gently said, “Do not waste your life in demonstrating special blessings through ordinary tricks. Instead, try and seek more blessings.”
The Well Brothers would still not let Sensei leave and asked for special instructions.
Sensei said, “Very well. From now on, both of you should meditate on ‘why’. One brother should meditate on why there is water in a well, and the other brother should meditate on why there isn’t water in a well. When both of you have your answers, come to meet me at the Monastery.”
The brothers bowed to Sensei and departed.
*****
