Early this morning, Sensei and the monks went to the seashore. Sensei told the monks, “Let me see how many of you can walk in my footsteps. I will walk on the wet sand, then each of you can walk in my footsteps, as perfectly as you can.”
Sensei walked randomly across a small distance and asked the monks to follow. Loyal Monk was the first monk who tried to walk in Sensei’s footsteps.
Loyal Monk’s attempt was average. Sensei had made sharp twists and turns and Loyal Monk could not match those steps.
After the sea had washed the footprints, Sensei walked the distance again, and each of the monks followed him one after another.
Angry Monk’s performance was the worst. He just trampled over Sensei’s footsteps. Perfection Monk took so long that the monks screamed at him. Honest Monk gave up half way. Laughing Monk was so busy laughing that he walked into the sea!
Head Monk was the last monk remaining and Sensei walked the distance for him.
Head Monk began walking, and shocked the other monks by just looking at Sensei while walking, without paying any attention to Sensei’s footsteps.
When Head Monk reached Sensei, he bowed at him deeply.
Sensei laughed and clapped twice. He asked Head Monk to explain his walk.
Head Monk said, “It’s impossible to walk in anyone’s footsteps. It’s better to create your own, while keeping in mind the direction of the path.”
Sensei clapped thrice and said, “Don’t follow anyone literally. Create your own footsteps, while creating your own path.”
*****
