...a ZEN story...

The Path to Nirvana – A Zen Story

Many spiritual aspirants looking for the path to Nirvana or ultimate freedom end up going around in circles. But the path to Nirvana lies under one’s very feet.

There was once a young man who longed to attain nirvana and bask in ecstasies.

He went to many people and asked them, "What is the path to nirvana?"

Everybody who heard this question told him, "All roads lead to the land of the Buddha, but there is one road which leads directly to the gates of nirvana. Only that particular Zen master knows about that road. Go to him, he will guide you." They told him the name of a very famous Zen master and asked him to go to his monastery.

The young man reached the monastery and fell at the master's feet.

He asked with great humility, "Oh, Master! I have surrendered at your feet. Please show me the way."

The master said, "It is just outside the compound wall."

The disciple wondered if the master did not understand his question properly.

He said, "Master, I am not asking about the road outside the compound wall. I seek the ultimate road."

"Oh, that one? It is the same road that goes to the capital city. Don't you know that?"

"Not that one, Master. Wherever I asked, people told me that all roads lead to the land of the Buddha, but there is one road that leads directly to the gates of nirvana. And they said that you know this path very well. I want to know where that path is."

"Oh, that path? It is right here," said the master, pointing to the place where the disciple was standing.