The Path is Dark
A Zen Koan.
A Zen student visited Master Ryutan one evening to talk and listen.
By the time they were done speaking, it was very late.
“Why don't you go to bed?” — asked Ryutan
The student bowed and opened the door to leave — “the path is very dark” — said the student.
“Here, take this candle,” — replied Ryutan as he lit it for the student.
The student reached out and grabbed the candle.
As the student prepared to walk away, Ryutan reached forward and blew it out.
Typical zen jerk
He said to the Buddha, “I have been with you for many years and have not yet become enlightened. Once you are gone, I will have no hope remaining of becoming enlightened. What should I do?” The Buddha replied with what were to be his last words—appo deepo bhava, meaning, be your own light.