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An eager man arrives at the monastery and says, "I want to join the community and work to attain Union with God. How long will it take?" "Ten years," replies the Abbot. "Well, then, what if I work really hard and double my efforts?" "Then, twenty years." "Hey, hold on there! That's not fair!" "In your case," says the Abbot, "it will take thirty years."
If you try too hard,
you block the Way;
if you fail to try,
you block the Way.
Practice like a violinist,
not too hard, not too soft,
determined, attentive, yet patient.
Keep in pace with the music
and let it move through you
like the gentle, but sure, breeze.
Whatever takes, takes as
long as it takes.
That simple.
No more, no less.
Where do you need
to get to, anyway?
If here is not good enough,
how will you ever
be at peace?
*brian k. wilcox
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