A Little Nonsense Now And Zen

Suiwo, the disciple of Hakuin, was a good teacher. During one summer seclusion period, a pupil came to him from a southern island in Japan.

Suiwo gave him the problem: 'Hear the sound of one hand.'

The pupil remained three years but could not pass this test. One night he came in tears to Suiwo. 'I must return south in shame and embarrassment,' he said, 'for I cannot solve my problem.'

'Wait but one week more and meditate constantly,' advised Suiwo. Still no enlightenment came to the pupil. 'Try for another week,' said Suiwo. The pupil obeyed, but in vain.

'Still another week.' Yet this was of no avail. In despair the student begged to be released, but Suiwo requested another meditation for five days. They were without result. Then he said: 'Meditate for three days longer, then if you fail to attain enlightenment, you had better kill yourself.'

On the second day the pupil was enlightened.