Yesterday evening, Sensei handed earthen lamps filled with oil to each of the monks. The lamps had cotton wicks in them.
Sensei said, “Monks, meditate on the light of your lamp and pray for enlightenment. Let us share our experiences tomorrow.”
Today morning, after still meditation, Sensei asked the monks to share their meditation experiences.
Humble Monk seemed excited and said, “Sensei, the lamp glowed very brightly in my room. Even with my eyes closed, I could see its light. I learned that good things shine through even when you can’t see them directly…”
Sensei nodded in appreciation.
Truthful Monk said, “Sensei, I lit the lamp and observed how its flames created shadows on my wall. I was surprised to see different shapes of animals and houses being projected. I learnt that ordinary things have more character in them, than what seems obvious…”
Sensei smiled.
Laughter Monk laughed and laughed and said, “Sensei, (laugh), I used the oil and the wick to lubricate (laugh) my bicycle parts that were creaking! I (laugh) learnt that sometimes things (laugh) can be more useful than in just one (laugh, laugh) way!!
Sensei laughed out loudly and Laughing Monk accompanied his laughter.
Angry Monk gruffly said, “I lit the lamp and burnt all the letters of anger that I had written to people. I watched each of them burn. I learnt that sometimes, good things are given to you, to help you lose bad things…..”
Sensei closed his eyes and clapped once. He was moved my Angry Monk’s gesture.
Sensei then asked Head Monk to speak.
Head Monk bowed to Sensei and to Buddha and said, “I took my lamp, and lit in the garden. I soon noticed a moth that seemed attracted to the flame. The moth came very near the fire and then noticed me. It seemed to have understood my warning and flew away. Through the night, over a hundred moths came very near to the flame and then flew away after seeing my face. I learnt that real danger when presented with good intentions can help redeem people….”
Sensei closed his eyes and clapped twice.
Sensei said, “Use the lamp given to you intuitively. You will learn that the real light of the lamp lies within you, not outside…”
*****
