Taiji on Maui   Balance and Harmony for a Better Life

A Burden too big

A classic tale

There was a man seeking “enlightenment”
He went walking far into the mountains in search of knowledge
He met many sages and asked them about enlightenment
There were many different opinions about it and he became confused

Some talked of a “purple light” or a soaring spirit
There were stories of heavenly sights and sounds
Tales of immortals with super human powers
He was asked to serve masters, to receive teachings
Told it took years of servitude to a master or a school
Or to embrace suffering, or hedonism, or denounce all things
To become a renunciate or a hermit or a servant
Told to study scriptures, count beads, pray to gods, become a monk
Encouraged to use herbs, drugs, potions, become vegetarian
Write poetry, play music, exercise, or meditate
He was told it can not be done in this life
That he wasn’t smart enough
Or dedicated enough.
To keep seeking….

One day, on a far away mountain trail, he came across a weathered old man carrying a huge burden of tea on his back.
He greeted him with his burdensome question.

“Sir, can you tell me about enlightenment?”

The man did not speak, he simply took off his massive backpack and set it down on the path and breathed a sigh.

Suddenly, the seeker understood…… Just set down your burden!

He couldn’t believe how simple it was, and how simply the old man was able to tell him the answer to this question he had carried with him for so long!

He bowed to the old man in homage of his great wisdom.  He was struck then with another question, he asked the still silent old man,

“Tell me sir, what then, what’s after enlightenment?”

The old man silently picked up his pack, and continued walking along the path, disappearing into the mist.