I'm preparing to publish my first book of stories in 2008. In preparation for this I’m reworking some of my most popular articles from the past. Today’s story was first published four years ago. I hope you enjoy this updated version, and I hope what you read will lead you to reconsider how to live your life with a greater sense of emotional fulfillment! The story that follows is a common tale told by Zen monks in the Orient. What I write today is mainly inspired by the Korean Zen master Seung Sahn.
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Many years ago there was a young man living in a large city in Japan who felt his life was quite empty. With the hope of achieving a state of inner peace, he shaved his head and went to live in the mountains as a monk.
After studying diligently for ten years, the man realized he still didn't understand how to live with a sense of emotional fulfillment. Talking with other disciples, the young monk heard of a highly evolved Zen master living in China. He was drawn to study with this man with the hope of finally realizing his true self.