Shuwo, Hakuin's student, was a good teacher. During one summer retreat, a student came to him from the South Island of Japan.
Xuvo gave him a problem: “Hear the clap of one palm.”
The student remained with him for three years, but was never able to pass the tests. One night he came to Syuvo in tears: “I must return to the south in shame and embarrassment,” he said, “because I cannot solve my problem.”
“Wait a week and meditate continuously,” Suivo advised him.
But enlightenment did not come to the student.
“Try for another week,” advised Syuvo.
The student obeyed, but everything was in vain.
"One more week."
No success.
In despair, the student began to beg to release him, but Suivo demanded another five days of meditation. No result.
Then he said: “Meditate for three more days, and if this time you don’t succeed, it’s better to kill yourself.”
On the second day the student became enlightened.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru