Both Eyes Open

A young boy traveled across Japan to a famous Zen school. When he arrived he was given an audience with the master. "What do you wish from me?" the master asked.

"I wish to be your student and learn Zen," the boy replied. "How long must I study?"

"Ten years at least," the master answered.

"Ten years is a long time," said the boy. "What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?"

"Twenty years," replied the master.

"Twenty years! What if I practice day and night with all my effort?"

"Thirty years," was the master’s reply.

"How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?" the boy asked.

"The answer is clear," the master replied. "When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the Way."

--Author Unknown