Haunting Problems

A master disciple relationship reveals the truth.

A disciple once asked his master, “Sir, I see a lot of suffering in the world and people are haunted by it. How can one free himself of his problems?"

The Master led the disciple towards a tree and asked him to hug it.

The puzzled disciple followed the master's instruction.

The master then asked him to gradually tighten his hug until the rough bark of the tree hurt him badly and he could hold no more.

The disciple let go of the tree.

The master exclaimed, “There you are out of pain!"

It was then that the truth dawned on the disciple.

It is we who hold on to the problem and the problem does not have control over us. It is we who are clinging to the problem thinking that it is the problem itself which is gripping us. All that we have to do is let go and drop it off if it is a worthless worry or handle it calmly. It does not trouble anymore.