FENN'S IN MEDIA'S RACE

KOAN
by JOHN FENN

Once upon a time in a small Japanese town, the citizens suddenly had a great urge for knowledge. They talked among themselves and consulted with people in larger cities and found the name of a great Sensei (teacher). After prolonged correspondence, the Sensei agreed to come to the town.

Great expectations and anticipation filled the town in the weeks before his arrival. Finally, way in the distance, a small robed figure appeared on the horizon and they knew that the Great Sensei was coming.

Much fuss was made over his arrival; a home prepared, food and fine sake provided in his larder. Some of the elders stayed with the Sensei late into the evening of his arrival. They shifted from foot to foot, hoping that he would give the teaching schedule, curriculum or at least announce the defined school day. Thinking it was impolite to press the Great Sensei, they reluctantly left.

Finally, after a few days, they decided that the mayor should ask about the school.

He approached the Great Sensei with some trepidation, but finally got up his courage, "Oh, Great Sensei, when shall we begin the classes?"

"When would you like to begin?"

"Why, right away ... that is .... tomorrow ... yes, tomorrow"

"Good."

"What time shall we begin?" asked the Mayor, "And where shall we have class?"

The Great Sensei thought a moment, then said,"What do you think would be best?"

"Well, I guess ... uh, sunrise tomorrow. Perhaps under the great tree at the top of the hill."

Sure enough, as the first students arrived, with just the tiniest glimmer of light from the rising sun, they saw the Sensei sitting under the tree. They ranged themselves about the great man and maintained a respectful and puzzled silence for a couple of hours.

The restless ones were hushed and addressed in a harsh whisper, "Shh. This must be meditation, fool! Shut up and breathe slowly while you clear your already empty mind."

Finally, after the sun had risen high in the sky, the mayor asked the Sensei, "What will you teach us, great Sensei?"

"Ah, yes. Teaching. Well, what would you all like to learn?"

Each citizen in turn responded with a litany of all the wonderful things he wanted to know and to each person Sensei replied,

"What do you need to do to learn these things?"

This whole process continued and the people of the town scurried about like mad, reading books talking to informed people and discussing all the wonderful things they were learning with the Great Sensei under the tree. Gradually the town became a great center for learning, and the Sensei grew older.

One day an older student - one who had swept the Sensei's house out for him the first day he arrived - asked, "Why is it, Sensei, that ever since you came to our village whenever anyone asked for teaching, you always answer by asking a question?"

"Ah ... well, why do you think that is?"

The young man thought for a long time, then suddenly his face lit up and he said, "Why, because you are the Sensei!"

"I was the Sensei, " replied the teacher, "But now I am old and you are the new Sensei. Why do you suppose that is?"