September 6, 2009

Last night I was reading a book named "Wanting Enlightenment Is a Big Mistake (Teachings of Zen Master Seung Sahn)", and there is a short story titled Homesick that made me think of yesterday's meditation session.

In the story, a student is diligently pouring through a text, when Zen Master Seung Sahn (ZMSS) walks up and taps him on his shoulder. ZMSS then says, "You're homesick, very homesick ...", patting the student on his shoulder.

The student was startled, and didn't say anything, but he thought to himself, "I don't miss my family, how can he think I am homesick?"

Just then, ZMSS continued, "... homesick for your original home."

I don't say this lightly, but I think ZMSS was a great teacher, and I wish I had a chance to meet him. I've read many Zen books, and with some of them, I don't feel a connection with the writer (an understanding of what they're trying to teach), but with ZMSS, every time I read one of his books it's like a light bulb goes on with each chapter.

If you're interested, you can find more information about ZMSS at the Providence Zen Center.

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