After ten years of apprenticeship with the famous master Nan-in, Tenno achieved the rank of Zen teacher. One day, it was raining when Tenno left to visit his master. When he walked into his master’s room, Nan-in asked him, “Did you leave your shoes and umbrella on the porch?” “Sure,” Tenno replied. “Tell me,” the master then continued, “whether you placed your umbrella to the left of your shoes, or to the right.” Tenno was confused. He could not remember it properly. Nan-in then smiled at him. Tenno then realised the message his master was trying to convey. Even after ten years, he had not yet attained full awareness. He had to be present and aware in every moment that he lived. So, he became Nanin’s apprentice once more and studied under him for another ten years.
Moral: Always pay attention to little things; the present is important, not the past or future.
