Master Song

Master Song was working in his office, as he did every day, when a long time friend, Master Shadow, came to visit with him. Seeing Master Song working on some writings, Master Shadow asked to see what he was writing. Master Song lifted the paper from the desk and showed it to him.

Master Shadow then said, "Can you also show me emptiness?"

Master Song smiled, laid his papers aside, arose, and left the office, without saying a word. He walked quickly down the street to his nearby home, where he entered, locking the door behind him to ensure that Master Shadow would be unable to enter after him.

Master Shadow pondered the behavior of Master Song well into the next day. He spoke to another friend of theirs, Master Still. After speaking to him, he asked him to go speak with their friend.

Master Still approached Master Song and asked him, "Why did you leave your friend? Did he say something to make you leave?"

Master Song replied, "Everyday, a pit bull will try to bite a human being somewhere, and somewhere a cat will chase a ball of yarn for the pure joy of doing so."

Now Master Shadow was standing nearby, and he overheard his friend's response. When he heard those words, he laughed and said, "Now I understand. At last I understand."

"If you do, then try to say it." Master Song challenged his colleague.

Master Song held up a walking stick.

Master Shadow smiled, laughed, and said, "You clever man."

"This man has seen." Master Song was pleased.