Inspirational Short Stories from Master Jun Hong Lu
1. Determination goes a long way
There was once a little monk who was preparing for a journey to advance his studies in Buddhism. Knowing that the little monk’s faith was still not strong enough, his Master asked, “When will you set off?”
The little monk answered, “Master, I will set off next week. Considering the long distance, I want to prepare a few more pairs of straw sandals.”
The Master replied, “Tomorrow I will tell everyone to give you straw sandals.”
In the following days, everyone provided the little monk with pairs of straw sandals. In case it would rain when the little monk set off, he was also given so many umbrellas that they filled the whole meditation room.
However, the little monk was still hesitant to leave. The Master saw this and asked, “How many straw scandals will be sufficient? How many umbrellas will you need?”, encouraging the little monk to hurry and begin his journey.
One week later, the Master came again and said, “Now you have enough umbrellas and sandals. You’ll probably come across small rivers and streams on your way. Tomorrow I will ask everyone to donate a boat for you to take with you”. Suddenly the little monk realised the Master’s good intentions. He knelt down immediately and exclaimed, “Master, I will set off right away! I won’t take any of the sandals or umbrellas with me. They will only cause affliction.”
This story teaches us that complete preparations are secondary to determination and resolve. When setting a goal, put your heart into it. With your eyes fixed on the distant horizon, you move forward steadily. Every step you take is a step closer to your goal. With your full devotion, everything will be ready for you. Bear in mind that, as long as you learn Buddhism with your heart and soul, you will attain all kinds of wisdom!
有一个小和尚要去云游参学，他的师父知道他信念不够坚定，就问：“弟子什么时候动身？”
小和尚说：“下星期吧，路途远我要多打几双草鞋。”
师父说：“我通知大家明天送草鞋给你。”
于是每天有人送草鞋。因为怕出门会下雨，还有人给他送了伞，堆满了一个禅房。小和尚还是没走，他的师父来了说：“你计算一下，这些鞋还能穿多少天，伞还需要几把？” 实际上就是提醒他应该赶快精进去参学了。
过了一个星期，师父又来说：“伞和草鞋都够了，你大概在路上还会碰到小河溪流，明天我请大家为你捐一个船， 你也带着走吧！”
这个时候小和尚才明白，师父用心良苦。马上跪下说：“师父，弟子这就出发，我什么都不要带了，什么都烦恼啊！”
做一件事情，重要的不是身外之物是否齐全，而是靠着你的决心。有目标，带上你的心，目标在远方，路在脚下， 每迈出一步路都是一点收获；用心，什么条件都会具足。学佛只要精进用心，什么智慧都会具足！