This morning, the monks noticed two large mirrors mounted on either side of the passageway wall in the Monastery. The mirrors faced each other.
After the morning meditation, Inquisitive Monk asked Sensei, “Sensei, what is the purpose of the two mirrors?”
Sensei invited the other monks to answer.
Truthful Monk said, “To show us how ugly we are and not get attached to our bodies.”
Immediately Inquisitive Monk replied, “But a single mirror in our washrooms serves exactly that purpose. Two mirrors facing each other makes a person see himself infinitely. What purpose does that serve?”
Everyone was quiet. Even Head Monk did not come forward with a response.
Sensei was delighted by the curiosity of the monks.
He clapped twice and said, “So that when you see infinite images of yourself, you remember that you have had many, many past lives. The images remind you of the repetitive nature of life and lives.”
All the monks including Head Monk bowed to Sensei. Then Inquisitive Monk asked, “But Sensei, why are the images identical?”
Sensei clapped twice and said, “So that you don’t get distracted by looking at the images too much. Else, all you would do is stand between the mirrors and stare at all your past lives.”
Head Monk shed tears. It seemed as if he had experienced a Satori. He once again bowed to Sensei and very gently asked him, “Sensei, when we are near Nirvana, what will we see in the mirrors?”
Sensei clapped three times, each clap taking time and sounding loud.
Sensei said, “You will only see one image. You will only see yourself.”
*****
