“Novice Monk”

A novice monk approached the master about his impending retreat. As part of his apprenticeship to monkhood, he was required to spend the next two years alone in a high mountain cave living the life of an ascetic and practicing those traditions that would enhance his enlightenment. “Master,” he asked his guru before departing, “on what should I meditate during the next two years of my retreat?” His master replied, “You should meditate on any subject or symbol that will help you attain enlightenment. Enlightenment is an individual journey, and each must find his own way.” The novice climbed high into the rugged mountains with his meagre possessions and sought out the cave he would call home for the next twenty-four months. Despite his preparation, the novice was unsure what to expect, and had no idea what subject of meditation would help me survive, let alone achieve enlightenment. The master had doubts about the apprentice. He expected that he would not last two years in isolation. However, contrary to the master’s expectations, his student did not return to the monastery until after the full term of his retreat. As he walked down the mountains slopes, the master took note of the young man’s relaxed gait. As he neared, the master could detect a serenity of face and peacefulness of spirit that confirmed the success of the novice’s sojourn in the hills. “I see, my son,” he said in greeting, “that you have been successful in your retreat. Tell me, on what did you spend your time meditating?” The young discipline replied, “On a pizza supreme, Master.” “A pizza supreme!” exclaimed the master. “Why did you choose a pizza supreme?” The young novice answered with his new air of enlightenment, “Because I wanted to be one with everything!”

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