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This story is called “Joshu’s Zen.” He started to practice Zen at 60 years old and became enlightened at 80. Maybe he attained Buddhahood or became a Master. One day, his disciple asked him, “Master, I have nothing in my mind. What shall I do? “He meant he was empty inside, and he had attained the level of complete peacefulness. It means that he had attained the highest level, what else should he do? His Master, Joshu, the one who died at 120 years old, answered him, “Then you throw it out. Just throw it away.” The disciple said, “I have nothing at all. What shall I throw away?” His Master became impatient and said, “OK, then take it out.” Understand? If someone has nothing inside, how would he ask such a question? He worried and asked what he should do, it means that he was still full inside. He thought that he was empty, that’s why his Master told him to throw it away, to leave it behind and to let go. He wanted the disciple to know that he still had something. He still had knots, understand? After practicing with me for a while, having listened to all the audio tapes and watched all the videos, they claimed that they had learned everything, and that they had no more desire. They asked what they shall do. Only after being tested outside, would they know that they are nothing. When we think we are empty inside, we have to be careful. Many people, not only the Quan Yin practitioners, but those who practice other methods, are also like this. All believe that they are great. They like arguing and are full of sutra-teachings in their head but claim that they are empty, whether they eat vegetables or meat, it is all the same to them, everything is equal, etc. Actually, they still have ego, and are full of knots in their mind. They have not opened their hearts and minds. In the future, don’t ask me the question - “I’m empty already. What should I do?” If you are really empty, you don’t need to ask. Is it not so? You will have no more questions when you are empty.
