The most revered building at No Wind monastery was a quiet, humble structure that stood at the outskirts of the grounds and boasted the sign, The Library of God. The monks knew this building was a special place, not only because they could feel the divine vibrations just by being near it, but also because all the special monks Zen Master Blumise had allowed into the library, always came out enlightened.

The strange thing about the library though, was that no one knew which books it held. You see, whenever an enlightened monk emerged from the library and was asked which books he or she had had the privilege to read, the monk always smiled and said something like, "You will see when your time comes.” Of course, there were plenty of rumors about which books were in the great library. The original Vedas some said, a perfect version of the Diamond Sutra said others, it was the purest Bible, the best Koran, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, … In fact, the most recent rumor was that it was a special text left behind by a now extinct civilization! In short, theories were many, facts were none.

All the monks worked very hard on their spiritual growth, hoping to be picked to enter this sacred library. You see, it was well understood that only advanced monks, who were ripe for enlightenment, were chosen by Master Blumise. Such a day finally arrived for Monk Shanti. She had spent many years at the monastery, and Master Blumise now felt she was ready for the final step.

Shanti's good friend monk Chin wished her good luck as she stepped through the hallowed doors to spend the next few weeks in isolation in the library. As she walked in, she was amazed by the overwhelming sacred atmosphere that permeated the building. The air was holy and just being there, she felt the blessings of a thousand saints. In front of her was a great hall, "The Only Book You Need to Read” was etched above the entrance, and in the center of the great hall sat a silent meditation cushion to sit on. The meditation cushion was the only object in the library.

Shanti smiled. She made her way to the cushion to sit, her attention now fully focused on her mind-heart, ready to Be, Rest, and Listen.

*Anmol Mehta. “The Library of God.”

We can depend too much on words – whether of Teachers, books, Scriptures, rites, friends, … There is a deeper Voice, resonating inside the cavern of the Heart. Be silent, listen, hear messages you can barely contain for all their grace and beauty.

©Brian Wilcox, and OneLife Ministries. 03/18/2010

*Story by Anmol Mehta. “The Library of God.” See www.spiritual-short-stories.com .

*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian Kenneth Wilcox, SW Florida. Brian lives a vowed life and with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis. Brian is a member of United Communities of Spirit: A Global Interfaith Initiative, for advancing the cause of understanding and peace among persons of different faiths and beliefs. OneLife Ministries seek to share this spirit of unity among all peoples of faith and humanity as a whole.

*Brian welcomes responses to his writings at briankwilcox@yahoo.com . Also, Brian is on Facebook: search Brian Kenneth Wilcox.

*You can order his book An Ache for Union from major booksellers.