Every Minute Zen

All Zen students apprentise with their Masters for atleast two years before they presume to be independent preachers.

This story relates to Nan-in who had passed his apprenticeship and was on his way to become independent teacher.

The day Nan-in was leaving to be independent Buddhist teacher, he was visited by Tenno. It was a rainny day.

It was pouring heavily, so Tenno carried an umbrella and wore wooden clogs.

Nan-in greeted him respectfully and said, "Master, I think you left wooden clogs in the vestibule. On which side of the clogs have you placed the umbrella - right or left?"

Tenno was confused. He did not answer and realised that he was not carrying Zen every minute.

From that moment, Tenno became Nan-in's pupil. He further took Zen discouse for another six years to acquire every-minute Zen.