A traveling monk met three ascetics on his way. One of them sat on a large ant heap, torturing himself with ant bites. Another was immersed in contemplation of the flow of water on the bank of a stream. And the third one simply danced and sang songs under a beautiful flowering tree.
Having learned that the monk was going to the guru, the ascetics asked to find out how many more lives they should remain in asceticism in order to receive liberation. The monk promised to fulfill their request. Returning back, he said:
“You, sitting on an anthill, have two more lives left to suffer like this.”
The ascetic hung his head.
“And you, contemplator, have ten more lives to contemplate water in order to receive liberation.”
The second ascetic sighed heavily.
“You, dancing one, have as many lives to dance as there are leaves on this beautiful tree.”
- So it’s nothing at all! — the ascetic threw up his hands and sang even more joyfully.
At that moment all the leaves fell off the tree and he was liberated.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru