Three Days

The story relates to Suiwo who was the disciple of Hakuin. Suiwo was a good preacher.

One sunner afternoon, a pupil came to Suiwo. He gave him a problem, "Hear sound of one hand".

The pupil was perplexed. Three years passed but he could resolve the mystery.

One night he walked to Suiwo with tears in his eyes and said, "Master, I have been unable to solve the problem. I have to return in remorse and embarrassment."

The master said, "You should wait for another week, before you return." The student tried for the week to attain enlightenment, but was unsuccessful. The master insisted that he should try for yet another week. The student did as his master advised , but failed again.

The student finally pleaded the master to be released. But Suiwo requested him to meditate for another five days. The student was in vain and failed again.

Then Suiwo  said, "You should meditate for three days. If you fail to attain enlightenment this time as well, then you better kill yourself."

The student was awakened. He meditated and was enlightened on the second day.