144-The Salt of Wisdom - Buddhism in daily life

The Salt of Wisdom


Buddha once stated that his teaching would be like salt, since
the "taste" of his words would be the same for everyone.


There is a Buddhist story which (among other things) is also
about salt. It is about a very sad young man who suffered a lot
from his "fate".


His family advised him to go to the Buddhist temple nearby, where
there was a wise Chan (Zen) master who might be able to help him.
When his suffering became worse and worse, he went to the temple
in the mountains, hoping for wise words from the spiritual
teacher, maybe he knew a way out of the dilemma he was in.


Arriving at the monastery, he had to be patient, many people came
here to ask for help, the line was long, but the master spoke to
all those waiting, one by one he listened to the problems of
each, then gave answers and hope, suggestions and proposals.


Then it was his turn, he spoke, "Master, I have so many problems
in my life, that's why I'm always sad, can't see a way out, I'm
tired of everything, don't know what to do anymore."


The monk listened to the complaints, looked into the young man's
face without saying a word, for a few moments he taxed the young
face. The silence became longer, uneasiness spread in the
questioner, what should he do now, had the old man understood
him?


Then the master reached to the back, there were many empty
glasses stacked, and a large bowl. He brought a glass to the
front, placed it between the men, and put the bowl next to the
glass. He beckoned to a young monk, who immediately filled the
glass with water.


Now the master spoke, "Take some of the salt from the bowl and
put it in the water, stir, then drink the glass." The young man
did as he was told. The master continued, "Well, how did it
taste?" "Terribly salty," was the reply.


"Good, that was to be expected." Now the master reached behind
him again on the other side, there were small envelopes, nicely
wrapped, and very small bowls in a big pile, he brought out an
envelope and a bowl.


He said, "Now you take some of the salt and put it in the little
bowl. Then you go to the little river down by the entrance to the
temple, open the letter and do exactly what you read there, then
you come back to me."


Tomorrow, read on to see how the story turned out then.


The way is the goal!


As a flame goes out from the wind, is blown away and concepts no
longer fit, so is the way freed from "spirit and body": He can no
longer be grasped conceptually


- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before
the year zero


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