There was a student in India who wanted to achieve a state of enlightenment. He left his family in search of a guru. Stopping at one of them, he asked about the method of achieving enlightenment. Guru said:
— Achieving enlightenment is very simple. All you need is to return home and sit in front of the mirror for half an hour every evening, asking yourself the same question: “Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?
The student asked:
- Hey, it can't be that simple.
“Oh, yes, it’s really simple,” the guru answered, “but if you would like to listen to another opinion, then there are other gurus living on this street.” Ask them.
“Thank you very much,” said the student, “I will do so.”
And the student came to another guru with the same question. The second guru replied:
- Oh, this is very difficult and will take a lot of time. You must unite with your like-minded people in a community and work hard without receiving any reward.
The student was very excited; this guru's philosophy was more compatible with his own view of the path to true enlightenment. He always heard that it was difficult. The Guru told him that the only unfilled work in the community was cleaning the cow shed. If the student's intention to achieve enlightenment is really serious, then the guru will allow him to remove dung and keep the stable clean. The student accepted the offer, feeling confident that he was on the right path.
After five long years of clearing dung and keeping the cow shed clean, the student felt discouraged and became impatient with his enlightenment. He came to the guru and said:
“Venerable teacher, I have sincerely and faithfully served you for five years, doing the dirtiest work in your community. I never missed a day and never complained. Don't you think it's time for me to achieve enlightenment?
The Guru replied:
- Well, yes, it seems to me that you are ready. Now listen to what you need to do. Go home and every evening, for half an hour in front of the mirror, ask yourself one question many times: “Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?
The amazed student said:
- Forgive me, but confirm again, because this is exactly what another guru who lives down this street told me five years ago.
“Well, yes, he was right,” answered the guru.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru