My favorite zen koan
Sean Draine (seandr@microsoft.com)
Tue, 03 Nov 1998 17:37:29 -0800
In a far-off land still relatively unspoiled by western influence, a wise
monk carrying two sacks approaches his pupil.
"In one of these sacks", says the monk, "are 10 white balls. In the other
sack are 10 black balls. Never mind where I got them. I will randomly draw a
ball from one of the sacks. If it is white, you will be enlightened. If it
is black, you will remain forever in the dark."
"Before I draw a ball, I will turn my back, during which time you may change
the contents of the sacks by moving balls from sack to sack. When you are
done, however, there must still be 10 white and 10 black balls total between
the two sacks."
Is there any way for the pupil to increases his chances of seeing the light?