Bring In The Next [Unconventional Zen Master Challenge]

by THX 0477

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Haggard by more years than a mortal frame was ever intended to endure, Master Ho Zi sat slumped on his chair. The air in the meditation chamber lay oppressively upon him, torturing his lungs with each breath.

“Bring in the next,” he whispered. With a bow his attendant, a half-blind eunuch with a traditional shaved head exited. After a moment that could have been an eternity, the servant returned with a bright-eyed acolyte.

The servant retired, walking backwards reverentially. The potential successor knelt dutifully. The master sighed.

“You have been chosen to receive the light that is not light, the truth that is not truth.”

“Yes, master,” came his hushed reply. The master only closed his eyes and willed the light to leave his body. A flickering of white slipped from his mouth and darted for the new vessel.

In a flash, the younger man was consumed, leaving only ashes.

The light returned to Master Ho Zi who opening his sad eyes whispered again, “Bring in the next.”

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. Bring In The Next [Unconventional Zen Master Challenge]

    thebetweenspace's Buddy Icon thebetweenspace

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    With the sigh and those sad eyes, you get the impression that the master has been trying to appoint his true successor for quite some time.

  2. Bring In The Next [Unconventional Zen Master Challenge]

    John Perkins' Buddy Icon John Perkins

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Trippy. I think you did an excellent job of describing his exasperation and the pain that continuing to live is causing this man.
    I’m getting a very alien vibe from what has “possessed” him. Very wicked.

  3. Bring In The Next [Unconventional Zen Master Challenge]

    PyroPunk 51 (PPP LoA)'s Buddy Icon PyroPunk 51 (PPP LoA)

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Definitely unconventional. Zen maybe not, but a good twist nonetheless.

  4. Bring In The Next [Unconventional Zen Master Challenge]

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted 2 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    By the way, it’s spelled eunuch and the past-tense form for kneel is knelt.
    I love the irony of the meditation room being so oppressive for this zen master who clearly has lost his zen.

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