Rely On Emptiness Rather Than Background

Zen master Ewu bought some land on which to build the Jen Chen temple.

A very enthusiastic disciple brought a compass in order to inspect the land looking for auspicious signs. However after he had examined every corner he was very concerned about one feature, and feeling depressed, he approached the Master.

The Master looked at him with some humor and waited.

The disciple hesitated for a while, but eventually told the Master of his concern:

"Master, everything about this land is good, excepting one place".

"Which place?" was the reply.

"Behind this land there is no background, it is empty." said the disciple.

"Oh!" said the Master, "Emptiness is good, and to be a Monk or Nun is to be empty. No background is suitable for good cultivation".