Many years ago, I sat alongside the other students in front of Master Huang. We listened to him each day as he shared parables with us. Indeed, this was his way, as he never spoke directly of the nature of existence or enlightenment.

One day, after our lesson, I went to talk to him alone. “Master,” I said, “I am confused. I have listened to you for the past three years. Not once have you told us how to reach enlightenment. How shall we find the Way if you do not show us?”

“My Son,” replied the master, “have you not been paying attention to any of the parables I have told?”

“Yes, I have listened closely to them all. I have even learned some by heart.”

“You have learned them, but I see that you have not learned from them.”

“But Master, what do I learn from them? They tell nothing about the Way.”

To my surprise, the master did not dispute this point. He simply took my hand and led me outside. “If you wish to be enlightened,” he said, “you will do exactly as I instruct.”

“Of course, Master. I will do anything to reach the truth. I will do anything you say.”

“Very well, but be warned only this one time that you must not waver from your task, no matter how great the temptation.”

“Yes, Master. My mind is strong. I am set only on the truth, nothing else.”

“Then listen carefully. You are to sit here and look directly into the sun. Do not close your eyes, even after several hours. Let the light flow inside you until there is no more light outside. As long as you can still see the light, you will not see the truth. As long as it is still a separate entity from you, you will not be enlightened.”

At this, I was quite startled, but I did not question him, for he was my master. He of great wisdom and experience was at last teaching me how to attain enlightenment. I was thrilled!

So, I sat and looked into the fire. My eyes filled with tears as the light pierced them mercilessly. It was excruciating, but I suffered on for the greater good. Hours passed. I waited, I waited, I waited. By the time Master had returned to check up on my progress, I was able to see no more light.

“My Son,” he asked, “what do you see?”

“I see nothing but darkness.”

“Do you feel any pain?”

“No, not anymore. I have become numb to it.”

“Very well. Your task is completed.”

“But Master, I do not feel enlightened. Are you certain my task is completed?”

“What did you expect?”

“I do not know. Surely something greater than this.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“Yes, quite disappointed.”

“Then you have already begun to see the truth.”

Now, my pupils, I have given you this to think about the next time you feel betrayed by my instructions.