A monk who had encountered an obstacle in his practice became doubtful as to whether or not he could complete the Path in this lifetime. He therefore asked the Master, “Shifu, in my next life……”

Before he could finish his question, the Master immediately chided him, “Next life? In Zen practice, one extends this present mind to an eon, and an eon exists in this present mind. In this very lifetime, liberate yourself from the cycle of life and death!”