Zen students are with
their masters at least ten years before they presume to teach others. Nan-in
was visited by Tenno, who, having passed his apprenticeship, had become a
teacher. The day happened to be rainy, so Tenno wore wooden clogs and carried
an umbrella. After greeting him Nan-in remarked: “I suppose you left your
wooden clogs in the vestibule. I want to know if your umbrella is on the right
or left side of the clogs.” Tenno, confused, had no instant answer. He realized
he was not yet able to carry his Zen every minute.
