After morning prayers, Sensei told the monks, “For a long time, I have wished for a Zebra with Orange Stripes. Let me ask each of you if you can get me one.”
Sensei first looked at Honest Monk. Honest Monk gently swung his head sideways to say ‘no’.
Sensei waved at Inquisitive Monk. Inquisitive Monk bowed to Sensei and said, “I’m afraid I cannot get you one, Sensei.”
When Truthful Monk was asked, he said, “Sensei, I am not sure if such a Zebra exists. Hence I cannot promise to get you one.”
None of the monks confirmed that they could fulfill Sensei’s wish.
Finally Sensei asked Head Monk.
Head Monk deeply bowed to Sensei and said, “Of course Sensei. It will be my honor to get you a Zebra with Orange Stripes. Thank you for asking me.”
Sensei clapped once.
Just then, Angry Monk stood up and said, “Head Monk, don’t be a sycophant, always saying Yes to Sensei to please him. How on earth can you get an Orange Zebra for him?”
Head Monk bowed to Angry Monk and softly said, “When the Master asks for something that may not be possible, always say yes. Because the Master himself will make it possible. I know that when I go and look for the Orange Zebra, I will find it. Because Sensei himself will place it there for me.”
Sensei clapped thrice and said, “Masters only test the belief and the intent of their disciples. That is all that matters to make things possible.”
*****
Thank you Nidhi Kukreja for making this for me!
*****
