The Journey to Another Monastery
The student Doken was told to go on a long journey to another monastery. He was much upset, because he felt that this trip would interrupt his studies for many months. So he said to his friend, the advanced student Sogen:
“Please ask permission to come with me on the trip. There are so many things I do not know; but if you come along we can discuss them – in this way I can learn as we travel.”
“All right,” said Sogen. “But let me ask you a question: If you are hungry, what satisfaction to you if I eat rice? If your feet are lame, what comfort to you if I go on merrily? If your bladder is full, what relief to you if I piss?”
January 25th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I think Sogen was trying to nicely say, “What’s in it for me?” It would be nice if while we go about doing good deeds and helping others, others would help us, and good karma would just follow us around. Unfortunately, I think we all need to continue to take care of ourselves, but in a way that will benefit others. Be “wisely selfish” as the Dalai Lama calls it in his book, “How to Practice The Way to a Meaningful Life.”
March 8th, 2009 at 4:26 am
I dont think Sogen was asking what was in it for him but rather what would the journey mean to Doken if all encounters or experiences were gathered by Sogen rather than just lived by Doken.The journey was meant to show Doken new and different things about himself but he was only worried about what he didn’t know rather than what he might learn on his own.Sogens comments mean if I see a beautiful sunset and you don’t do I have to point it out to you? And even if I point it out to you will you see the same beauty as I? Like is a trip about self discovery not just look there look here hold my hand and I will show you everything. Doken must learn to open his mind to the uncertainties and possibilities.