There was once a Musician who knew everything there was to know about music. He was the best in the world. He could play any instrument, instantaneously compose beautiful songs, and teach anyone who wanted to learn. One day, He put out an invitation to all the world: โI am a master musician. If you seek me out and follow my direction, I promise you’ll become as good a musician as I am.โ The Musician tirelessly worked to spread the invitation throughout the world until every living being had heard it. But every person responded a little differently.
Some sought out the Musician, cherished His lessons, and diligently practiced everything He taught them.
Others explored teachings from many different sources and practiced only occasionally.
Still others took no lessons and made no effort to practice at all.
In the end, a world wide musical performance took place, and everyone was invited to play. Those who had never practiced either played simple, flawed pieces or were too embarrassed to perform at all. Those who had sought other teachers and practiced occasionally played confidently, but their music felt small and out of place for such a grand occasion. Meanwhile, those who had practiced diligently under the Musician’s guidance performed gloriously, leaving the world in awe. No one could deny that the followers of the Musician had become as skilled as the Musician Himself.
Then, The Musician wept. Never had He experienced such deep joy nor such profound sorrow as He did that day.