What is Life Like?

There was an old Master whose hut was in the branches of a great tree. A man, seeking enlightenment, climbed the tree with difficulty, and found the Master sitting outside on the branch.

"Master," said the man, "can you tell me what life is like?"

Without a word, the Master picked up an axe and began chopping away at the branch on which they were standing. The man watched with amusement, until the branch began to groan and sway under their feet.

"Stop!" cried the man, so the Master did. Angered, the man climbed back down the tree. As he turned to go, he glanced up toward the hut, and at that moment, the Master chopped down on the branch once more. Suddenly the man was enlightened!

"Thank you!" cried the man, as the branch, the hut, and the Master fell on his head.