An Interesting Story About Not Understanding the Essence of the Work - (4963)

Introduction

I found the following story in the book: "A Million Thoughts" by Om Swami.

I find it really interesting, he really hits the nail on the head about how we can really miss the essence of the work on ourselves and waste our time miserably complaining about what isn't right. 

When the essence of the work and the path is to die and liberate ourselves...

Excerpt

"A seeker approached a master to learn meditation from him. “There’s one condition,” the master said. “You are allowed to speak only four words every time you cross a milestone on the path.”

“I can do that.”

“Each milestone may take six years.”

The seeker swallowed and confirmed that the master indeed said six years and not six weeks or months.

“Yes, six years.”

He agreed to follow the instructions and began his meditation in the monastery.

At the first chance of speaking after six long years, the first four words he uttered in front of his master were, “Bed is too hard.”

The master said nothing. Another stretch of six years ensued, at the end of which the disciple unable to contain his annoyance said, “Food is always cold.” Once again the master did not reply. Another six years later, the disciple said, “I am leaving you!” “Yes, be gone,” the master said. “All I’ve seen you do in the last 18 years is complain, complain and complain.”

One would think that if the disciple had just one chance of speaking to his master after so long, the four words could or would have had some veneration, reverence or gratitude for his master. It may also seem a little too harsh on the part of his master to act in the manner he did. But the truth is that the master knew something which most of us remain unaware of: a talkative mind. In all probability, that’s all the disciple contemplated on for 18 years – he thought about what wasn’t right. Rather than understanding the essence of meditation, he complained in his mind for eighteen long years."

End (4963).