Short Story of A Dejected Young Man Who Seeks Enlightenment Minus the Meditation and Fasting

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Excerpt: “Can I find enlightenment without all that meditation and fasting?” the young man asks. “Perhaps,” says the master… “But you will need…”

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The following is an excerpt from Jay Shetty’s book, Think Like A Monk, found on pages 266-267. In it, he shares a powerful short story that’s placed with the intention of highlighting the importance of compassion. Or, as Shetty thinks of it, active empathy.

Acting as a potential substitute for meditation or fasting, compassion is one of the ultimate tools for guiding us forward on our spiritual journeys. It demonstrates not only the willingness to see, feel, and ease the pain of others, but also the willingness to take on some of that pain—as Shetty explains. And with that ability to serve the needs of others, we will undoubtedly, in turn, serve the needs we have ourselves.

And with that, I’ll turn it over to Shetty to share with you the short story of the dejected young man who seeks enlightenment minus the meditation and fasting. Just wait until you read what the master does to prove his point… Enjoy!

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Enter Jay Shetty:

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There is a Zen story about a young man who is world-weary and dejected.

With no plan or prospects, he goes to a monastery, tells the master that he is hoping to find a better path, but he admits that he lacks patience.

“Can I find enlightenment without all that meditation and fasting?” he asks.

“I don’t think I can handle it. Is there another way?”

“Perhaps,” says the master, “But you will need the ability to focus. Are there any skills you’ve developed.”

The young man looks down. He hasn’t been inspired by his studies or any particular interests. Finally, he shrugs. “Well, I’m not bad at chess.”

The master calls over one of the monk elders and says, “I’d like you and this young man to play a game of chess. Play carefully, because I will cut off the head of the one who loses.”

The young man breaks into a sweat.

He’s playing for his life!

He plays weakly at first, but it soon becomes clear that his opponent’s chess skills are fair at best.

If he puts his mind to it, he will surely win.

He soon loses himself in concentration and begins to beat the old monk.

The master begins to sharpen his sword.

Now the young man looks across the table, sees the wise, calm face of the old monk, who in his obedience and detachment has no fear of the death that certainly awaits him.

The disillusioned man thinks, I can’t be responsible for this mans death. His life is worth more than mine. Then the young man’s play changes—he deliberately begins to lose.

Without warning, the master flips the table over, scattering the pieces.

“Today there will be no winner, and no loser,” he states.

The losing monk’s calm demeanor doesn’t change, but the astonished young man feels a great sense of relief.

The elder says to him, “You have the ability to concentrate, and you are willing to give your life for another. That is compassion. Join us and proceed in that spirit. You are ready to be a monk.”

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If you enjoyed this excerpt from Think Like A Monk, you should read Jay Shetty’s book in full. It comes highly recommended:

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