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February 15, 2011

Koan Study: Snowflake


A student was being chastised by Master Li for leaving a grain of rice in his alms bowl. The student said, “I am sorry Master, but was my wrong not insignificant? It was only one grain of rice” Master Li responded, “We are taught to eat everything in our alms bowl as a sign of gratitude. One snowflake is insignificant, yet it can trigger an avalanche.”