A monk spent years concentrating on a particular mantra. Until he attained enough insight to begin teaching. The student's humility was far from perfect. But the Masters at the monastery were not worried.
Through years of successful teaching the monk had no thoughts about learning from anyone else. But when he heard about a famous hermit living nearby. The opportunity seemed exiting.
The hermit lived alone on an island. So the monk hired a man with a boat to row across. The monk was very respectful of the old hermit. As they shared some herbal tea the monk asked him about his spiritual practice. The hermit said he had no spiritual practice. Just a mantra which he repeated all the time to himself. The monk was pleased. The hermit used the same mantra he used himself. But when the old man spoke the mantra aloud. It made the monk terrified.
What's wrong. Asked the hermit.
I don't know what to say. I'm afraid you have wasted your whole life. You are pronouncing the mantra incorrectly.
Oh. That is terrible. How should I say it. Asked the hermit.
The monk gave the correct pronunciation. The hermit was grateful. He asked to be left alone. To get started right away. On the way back across the lake the monk was pondering the sad fate of the hermit.
It's very fortunate that I came along. At least he will have a little time for correct practice before he dies. At that moment the monk noticed that the boatman was looking shocked. Staring at something. The monk turned. To see the hermit standing respectfully on the water. Next to the boat.
Excuse me. I hate to bother you. But I have forgotten the correct pronunciation again. Will you please repeat it for me. The hermit said.
You obviously don't need it. The monk stammered. But the hermit persisted in his polite request. The monk eventually told him again. How the mantra should be pronounced.
The old hermit repeated. Very carefully. Slowly. Again and again. All while he walked across the surface of the water. Back to his island.
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