A Zen Master was travelling with a few disciples, from one monastery to the other in the mountains. When they settled for the evening, one disciple asked the Master:
What is the essence of Zen? What is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching, of meditation?
Tell me, Master.The Master said to the disciple: Listen. Can you hear that far away river?
The disciple becomes quiet.
Yes, I can hear the river – he said.The Master said: That is the essence of Zen, of meditation.
Vasant Swaha