Today with the sunrise, Inka's annual testing day had come. He felt serenely confident that on this day, the 24th anniversary of his entering the Monastery, he would be named Master. His own Master had discontinued giving him formal lessons months ago. Surely it could be considered a sign that the Master believed Inka's learning to be complete.
Even the misty and breezy weather showed itself perfect for this occasion. Inka felt a deeper than usual joy. He knew himself to be enlightened, not in a prideful way, he simply recognized it to be true. His mind dwelt only in the present, like a tranquil lake in which no ripples of worry over past or future disturbed the surface. He loved his fellow monks. All the animosities of earlier times had disappeared, fading with the years gone by. His brethren treated him with utmost respect and love as did the Master.
Inka walked into the Master's room. He knelt down, humbled with gratitude and awaited the formal announcement.
The Master, his eyes clouded with age, looked at Inka and smiled. He spoke softly, his voice quite weak. Inka leaned closer to hear his words. "My purple umbrella is by the door. Is it on the right side or the left?
Inka thought for a moment. In shock, he realized that he was not yet fit to be Master. He bowed deeply and left the Master's room. He would have to try the following year.
Even the misty and breezy weather showed itself perfect for this occasion. Inka felt a deeper than usual joy. He knew himself to be enlightened, not in a prideful way, he simply recognized it to be true. His mind dwelt only in the present, like a tranquil lake in which no ripples of worry over past or future disturbed the surface. He loved his fellow monks. All the animosities of earlier times had disappeared, fading with the years gone by. His brethren treated him with utmost respect and love as did the Master.
Inka walked into the Master's room. He knelt down, humbled with gratitude and awaited the formal announcement.
The Master, his eyes clouded with age, looked at Inka and smiled. He spoke softly, his voice quite weak. Inka leaned closer to hear his words. "My purple umbrella is by the door. Is it on the right side or the left?
Inka thought for a moment. In shock, he realized that he was not yet fit to be Master. He bowed deeply and left the Master's room. He would have to try the following year.
~~~~~
Can you figure out why Inka thought he was not fit to be Master? If so, please send your response to daljitMsingh@gmail.com and the best one will be published on my blog - along with the sender's name and place of residence (if available).
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