An ancient Zen koan

["Michael McGeachie" <mmcgeach@>]

This is also not a clever gsb announcement.  It is, however, an ancient
Zen koan.

Hakuin, a Zen master, returned to his village after a journey.  His
students wished to know what transpired along the journey.  But Hakuin
did not remember the journey.
   "My pupils, I regret that I cannot tell you how I traveled, because I
do not remember," the master stated.
   The first student replied "Master, it must be the same as whenever
you travel; you are greeted by warm welcomes and gracious respect,
befitting a man of such wisdom."
   "Perhaps it was so," said Hakuin.
   The second student replied "Master, maybe you traveled unassumingly,
as a mendicant, pretending to be a fool of no import, to better observe
the world."
   "Perhaps it was so," said Hakuin.
   "Master, do you not remember?  I traveled with you," said the third
student.  "Also, I videotaped your reception at the village of Edo."
   "Ah," said Hakuin.  "Graciously play the videotape, my pupil."  And
the tape was played.  It showed Hakuin, speaking to many men.
   "Master, I was mistaken," said the second student.  "I see that they
listen with respect and attention as you speak; you did not travel
disguised as a fool."
   "No Master, I was mistaken," said the first student.  "These men are
transfixed with surprise, they watch and listen to you because you
travel as a fool, and they are astonished to see a fool speak so
confidently."
   "Perhaps it was so," said Hakuin.  "But then, am I teacher or fool?"


the answer* and the answers to the questions left unasked are found at
this week's 


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*actually the answer is here, written backwards:  hcnarb a no sgif eerhT