A Jesuit priest went to Japan to study in a Zen monastery. He said that
after sitting in meditation for long hours his legs would often begin to ache
terribly. The master advised him on proper procedure and then asked what
practice he was following in meditation. The Jesuit explained that he was
sitting silently in the presence of God without words or thoughts or images
orideas. The master then asked if his God was everywhere. The Jesuit
nodded his head, "yes." He asked if he was wrapped around in God, and
the answer again was yes.
"Very good, very good," said the master. "Continue this way. Just keep
. And eventually you will find that God will disappear an only you will
remain."
The Jesuit was offended by this for it sounded like a denial of his sacred
beliefs. He contradicted the master and said, "God will not disappear. But I
might disappear and only God will be left." "Yes, yes," the master agreed,
smiling. "It is the same thing. That is what I meant."
