While on his deathbed, the Zen teacher called his nearest student to him and took out a book from under his pillow. Everyone was wondering what kind of book it was, since he never allowed anyone to look into it. Sometimes the students would peek through the keyhole at night as he read it. The teacher never left his room unlocked and did not allow anyone to enter it without him. So no one saw what was in this book. And so he called his closest student and said:
- Keep this book. This book contains everything I taught. Take care of her as you saw me take care of her. My teacher gave me this book. Now I pass it on to you. This book is a legacy.
The student took the book and threw it into the fire. Everyone else couldn't believe it. They were amazed. But the teacher put his hand on the student's head and blessed him. He said-.
- You understand. If you had kept the book, you would not be my student at all. In fact, there was nothing in this book. It was empty. You threw it away - good. You understand my teaching that no one should follow anyone. Everyone must go deep into his own soul.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru