Experience

The Master had a childlike fascination for modern inventions. He could not get over his amazement at the pocket calculator when he saw one.

Later he said, good-naturedly, "A lot of people seem to have those little pocket calculators, but nothing in their pockets worth calculating!"

Weeks later, when a visitor asked him what he taught his disciples, he said, "To get their priorities right: Better have the money than calculate it; better have the experience than define it." 

Life is to be sought through experience

Before the young man began his studies, he wanted assurance from the Master.

"Can you teach me the goal of human life?"

"I cannot," replied the Master.

"Or at least its meaning?"

"I cannot."

"Can you indicate to me the nature of death and of life beyond the grave?"

"I cannot."

The young man walked away in scorn. The disciples were dismayed that their Master had been shown up in a poor light.

Said the Master soothingly, "Of what is it to comprehend life's nature and life's meaning if you have never tasted it? I'd rather you ate your pudding than speculated on it."

~~~~~

Life is to be sought through experience, not mere thought.