Teaching the Ultimate
In early times in Japan, bamboo-and-paper lanterns were used with candles inside. A blind man, visiting a friend one night, was offered a lantern to carry home with him.
“I do not need a lantern,” he said. “Darkness or light is all the same to me.”
“I know you do not need a lantern to find your way,” his friend replied, “but if you don’t have one, someone else may run into you. So you must take it.”
The blind man started off with the lantern and before he had walked very far someone ran squarely into him. “Look out where you are going!” he exclaimed to the stranger. “Can’t you see this lantern?”
“Your candle has burned out, brother,” replied the stranger.
This story can be found in a book entitled Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, a translation of a 13th century work entitled Collection of Stone and Sand.





(Rate it!)
Personalized recommendations
(As you rate more content, we tailor the recommendations just for you)Recommended Zen stories
Recommended articles
Now is the time!
Why physical and mental pain is priceless
Relating to our moods: labeling and monitoring
Don't be competitive!
Practise patience!
Why physical and mental pain is priceless
Relating to our moods: labeling and monitoring
Don't be competitive!
Practise patience!
Recommended quotes
Want to remember your ratings for next time? Save your profile!
Existing users: Log in here!