Sui-Wo1, the disciple of Haku-In2, was a good teacher. During one summer seclusion period, a pupil came to him from a southern island of Japan.
Sui-Wo gave him a problem, "Hear the sound of one hand"
The pupil remained three years but could not pass this test. One night he came in tears to Sui-Wo. "I must return south in shame and embarrassment," he said, "for I cannot solve my problem."
"Wait one week more and meditate constantly," advised Sui-Wo. Still no enlightenment came to the pupil. "Try for another week," said Sui-Wo. The pupil obeyed, but in vain.
"Still another week." Yet this was of no avail. In despair the student begged to be released, but Sui-Wo requested another meditation of five days. They were without result. Then he said, "Meditate for three days longer, then if you fail to attain enlightenment, you had better kill yourself."
On the second day the pupil was enlightened.
Notes:
1. Sui-Wo
2. Haku-In