The Empty Chair

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There is a well-known story about the death of Marpa’s son. The great sage was inconsolable. After a week of mourning, his grief redoubled. One of his students cautiously approached.

“Master, you have taught us that all of life is an illusion. If this is true, why do you suffer so?”

“Yes, it’s true,” said Marpa. “Most illusions are petty, without bravura — the phantoms of daily life.” He smiled through his tears. “But this. This was a great illusion!”