Finger "Chip"

A wonderful story!
When the asker commented about ‘especially’ my answer, I was tempted to re-tell it here too.
I hope you would love the story, and possibly it might keep you intrigued too!
Happy fingering.
Regards,

Psn(17th March, 2010)

The question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100314090441AA1iWv4

Zen Story:What do you understand from this??? Read it and share your opinions?
Whenever anyone asked him about Zen, the great master Gutei would quietly raise one finger into the air. A boy in the village began to imitate this behavior. Whenever he heard people talking about Gutei's teachings, he would interrupt the discussion and raise his finger. Gutei heard about the boy's mischief. When he saw him in the street, he seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and began to run off, but Gutei called out to him. When the boy turned to look, Gutei raised his finger into the air. At that moment the boy became enlightened.

Additional Details
I didn't understand any of you especially Spiritualseeker.What is benevolent about cutting a student's finger???? I have heard that Zen masters are logical and I expect a clear,logical explanation not abstract spiritual ones.


My answer:
The great master Gutei was indeed an embodiment of compassion. Who else can muster courage to cut off the finger of a 'candidate' on the verge, with just one last barrier left to be removed, the finger! Usually, Zen masters give enough chance to opt out of the path when half-willing, half-hearted people seek to become disciples. This is a wonderful story of out-of-the-way benevolence.
Reply to asker's comments:
Sorry about the abstract answer. But that is the way it is. The very chance to look at this story is a stupendous reward for me. I once again bow before the Great Master Gutei, here and now. His compassion is indeed matchless!