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Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Date:2009-03-08 19:34
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There's a Buddhist story I read as a teen that resonates with me on many an occasion. I can't recall where I read it, but reconstructed in at least approximate form from memory, it goes something like this. (And there may be other versions.)

A student monk is bid by his master to sit and meditate. After a long while, he gets up and runs to his master in sheer terror. "Master!" he cries out, "While I was meditating, demons descended upon me and visited me with the most terrible temptations and frights! It was awful, what should I do?"

The master hits him upside the head and says, "Go back and meditate."

The student monk returns to his meditation. After a long while, he gets up and runs to his master once more, beaming with happiness. "Master!" he cries out, "While I was meditating, angels descended upon me, I felt the light of the world, all was full of wonder and joy!"

The master hits him upside the head and says, "Go back and meditate."

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