"Teacher, I am ill today." With cheeks flushed, the novice sat in his usual place.
"I'm sorry to hear that," said the guru without looking at him. "You may be excused from meditations and from your other chores."
"I do not wish to be excused, teacher. I want to understand." The student wiped his sweaty brow. "Is the illness in my body or only in my mind? Can I heal myself through force of will?"
"Zen teaches us that the body is an illusion. Therefore, illness of the body is also an illusion."
The student took a long while to respond. "But do you believe that really?"
"The Dao teaches us that the body is transitory and the mind also passes away. Your illness will pass if you but rest a while."
"The Dao tells us to nap?"
"I did, too, but you weren't listening."
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