The pupils of the Tendai school used to study meditation before Zen entered Japan. Four of them who were intimate friends promised to observe seven days of silence.
On the first day all were silent. The meditation had begun auspiciously, but when night came and the oil lamps were growing dim, one of the students couldn't help exclaiming to a servant, "Fix that oil lamp!"
The second student was surprised to hear the first one speak. "We are not supposed to say a word." he said.
"You two are stupid. Why did you talk?" asked the third.
"I am the only one who has not talked.", concluded the fourth pupil.
Zen Flesh Zen Bones
Compiled by Paul Reps
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