Three Days More

[sdi]

No god is responsible for a man’s evils, for he has chosen his lot himself.

(Porphyry to Marcella XXIV)

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Two hands clap and there is a sound, but what is the sound of one hand?

(attr. Hakuin Ekaku)

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Suiwo, the disciple of Hakuin, was a good teacher. During one summer seclusion period, a pupil came to him from a southern island of Japan.

Suiwo gave him the problem: "Hear the sound of one hand."

The pupil remained three years but could not pass this test. One night he came in tears to Suiwo. "I must return south in shame and embarrassment," he said, "for I cannot solve my problem."

"Wait one week more and meditate constantly," advised Suiwo. Still no enlightenment came to the pupil. "Try for another week," said Suiwo. The pupil obeyed, but in vain.

"Still another week." Yet this was of no avail. In despair the student begged to be released, but Suiwo requested another meditation of five days. They were without result. Then he said: "Meditate for three days longer, then if you fail to attain enlightenment, you had better kill yourself."

On the second day the pupil was enlightened.

(Nyogen Senzaki, 101 Zen Stories XXV "Three Days More")

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I repeatedly think that this present moment in time, when everything is on fire, is a high-risk, high-reward time for souls: so many billions choose to incarnate now, not because it is a good or fun time, but because the three days before killing oneself are the most productive of all.

So, sit. Meditate for three days longer. Hear the sound of one hand.