One Goal One Path

Once a very curious young man wanted to learn zen. After joining for some time student approached his master and asked. If i work hard how long will it take me to find Zen?

Master thought for a while and replied, May be in 10 years.

Listening to this curious student asked his master, What if i work very hard and learn really fast How long will it take then

I think Twenty years ,replied master.

But, what if i work really hard? I will work day and night, Every minute Every second. How long then

It will take Thirty Years, master replied to young man.

Disappointed and sad student asked his master, I don’t understand!! Every time i say i will work harder, You say it will take longer time to find zen. Why do you say so

Master replied, It’s because when you have one eye on the goal, then you only have one eye on the path.

Moral:

Focus on one goal while following one path.