The Doorway

At an ancient temple,

dawn poured a golden glow through the giant arched doorway,

filling the empty hall with light.

A young monk asked the master,

“Is this the light of enlightenment?”

The master said,

“It entered before you named it.”

The monk stepped into the doorway and bowed.

“Then shall I stand here forever?”

The master laughed softly.

“If you cling to the doorway, you block the sun.”

The monk hurried inside the hall.

“Then I shall leave the doorway behind.”

The master struck the floor with his staff.

“The doorway has followed you.”

At that moment, a cloud passed, and the golden light vanished.

The monk trembled.

“Master, where has enlightenment gone?”

The master pointed to the empty arch.

“When the light was here, you missed the doorway.

Now the doorway remains, and you ask about light.”