One day, a pupil comes to him and tells in a shy manner that he is not able to apply more than 10% of the wisdom of the Master in his own life. The Master shows great interest, gives a few clear suggestions to improve and wishes him good luck with his development.
The second day, another apprentice tells him highly motivated that he understands each day more and more (approximately two tenths of the lessons!). The Master informs extensively about multiple aspects of his evolution, wishes him good luck with his progress and they part with a happy smile.
The next day, a very eager to learn pupil comes in, full of questions about all those matters that he still does not understand. The Master gives kind-hearted in detail explications and he is really charmed when he hears that the pupil handles 30% of the lessons in his life. "Nice, carry on, you are on the right track!" says the Master.
On the 4th day, a few minutes after the main monthly ceremony in the central sanctuary, one of the best progressing disciples has his turn. The audition is sparkling and interesting and both the pupil and the Master are deeply satisfied. It is obvious that the pupil handles a smaller half of the lessons daily. However, this apprentice will leave to-morrow for an unexpected, long journey. The young man receives the holy blessings of the Master and they say goodbye, both deeply touched in their souls.
The next day is rainy and the appointment of
that morning is delayed for two hours. When the (very talented) pupil strolls
in finally, it is obvious that this capable young follower is easy with the
bigger half of all the lessons. The weary Master gives illuminations on the
posed questions but warns the boy for nonchalance and prejudice.
The sixth day starts at dawn with a marvellous sunrise and a student comes in, sharp on time. Together, they go over the detailed aspects of the teachings, in fine understanding and good mood. And the student whispers that he applies 6 chapters already now ! He gets a pat on his shoulder as encouragement and the advice to slow it down and take a break. This sounds very mysterious for the pupil, as he intended to request an extra 10 days of follow-up ! What now ?
The seventh day, after the clearing of the morning mist, the moody Master is rather short with his apprentice of that day. This in contradiction with the motivation of the young man as he covers seven chapters and practices them very well. The Master talks at length about flexibility, receptivity, independence and self-deception.
A day later, an enthusiastic student storms in to see the rather quiet Master, telling a story about a wonderful meditation: "It was full of colours, movements, visions and light everywhere". An attentive Master advises him with determination to start learning also the teachings of another Master colleague.
The ninth day, the disciple of that day tells excitedly about
a dream: "the very Buddha did appear in a magnificent rainbow, in
a golden toga with nine lotus flowers". The very quiet Master thinks
it over for a long time and then advises with a short indication: "it
will go over soon". The student leaves, completely confused.
The following day, a tired Master postpones the appointment
for that morning to one hour after dusk. When his most motivated pupil impatiently
enters, they first do almost a half hour meditation. Then the young guy may
ask only one question. About this the Master does a ceremony of half an hour
to synthesise his final answer: "I can't help you any further. You
have to give way deeper into yourself, learn to match multiple matters, pay
special attention to letting go and most important: stop to try to be perfect!"
The 11th day, there is no session because of the big yearly village festive evening!
© July 1999 - Rik Wellens
