Allisfulloflove.

Early in his training, as is customary among Zen followers, a monk was preparing to take his place in a new monastery.

Before he left, he sought out his teacher to bid him goodbye. Finding him in his chambers, the teacher offered him a parting gift. It is not in the Zen spirit to refuse a gift- to do so would be very rude indeed. His teacher grasped a pair of tongs and held aloft a coal he had plucked from the fire by which he warmed himself.

The monk stared, his head swiming, unsure of the appropriate action. Anxiety struck the young man's heart, and he ran from the chambers. He knew he must not refuse and shame his teacher, but he also knew he could not hold a burning coal.

He meditated on the matter, but when he returned the next day he faced the same problem all over again. After hesitating in front of his teacher, he turned and- once again- fled.

The next morning, the monk awoke to a sense of calm and clarity. Confidently, he returned to the teacher's chambers. After bowing to one another, the teacher once again picked up a coal and held it out to his student.

Bowing again, the monk simply replied, "Thank you."

The teacher grinned, nodded, and bade his student safe travels.