The charming and innocent Little Novice Monk carries strong Buddhist symbolism. In Buddhism, a male monastic who is at least seven years old but under the age of twenty is called a novice monk. The term comes from Sanskrit and refers to someone who diligently follows the guidance and discipline of fully ordained monks. It also carries the meaning of "ceasing harmful actions and cultivating compassion." A novice monk holds a rank below that of a fully ordained monk (bhikshu). The female equivalent is called a novice nun.
Simply put, a Little Novice Monk is a young monk.
The earliest novice monk in Buddhism was Rahula, the son of Shakyamuni Buddha. Rahula entered monastic life at the age of fifteen. Since those under twenty were not permitted to receive full ordination, Shakyamuni Buddha allowed him to practice as a novice monk.
Little novice monks are often portrayed as innocent, curious, and lovable. Statues inspired by novice monks are commonly placed in temples, gardens, and scenic areas, where they often bring smiles to visitors. Yet beyond their cute appearance, these vivid images often leave people feeling deeply touched.
In many Zen stories, novice monks frequently appear as seekers who constantly ask questions and reflect deeply. Their curiosity mirrors the journey many ordinary people experience as they search for meaning in life. In this sense, the Little Novice Monk has become a symbol of preserving one's original aspirations and continuing to seek wisdom.
The Story of the Little Novice Monk
A newly arrived novice monk was curious about everything.
When winter came, he saw the senior monks emptying and turning over the large water jars in the courtyard. He immediately ran to ask his master:
"The water is perfectly fine. Why pour it away?"
The master smiled and replied:
"Because in winter, water freezes and expands, which could crack the jars. So the jars must be emptied. This is not 'empty' in the sense of nothingness; it is making space."
Heavy snow soon fell, layer upon layer, covering several potted cypress trees. The master instructed the monks to carefully lay the pots on their sides so the trees would rest horizontally.
The little monk was puzzled again.
"The trees look fine. Why knock them over?"
The master's expression became serious.
"Who said they are fine? Can't you see that the snow is already bending their branches? If more snow falls, they will break. This is not knocking them down; it is laying them flat to protect them, allowing them to rest until the snow melts."
In autumn, red leaves danced through the monastery courtyard.
The little monk asked:
"The leaves are so beautiful. Why do they have to fall?"
The master smiled.
"Because winter is coming. The tree cannot support all of its leaves, so it must let some go. This is not giving up; it is letting go."
As the weather turned colder and difficult economic conditions affected the temple, donations decreased significantly. Even the little monk became anxious.
"What should we do?" he asked.
The master looked at him and said:
"Are you lacking food? Are you lacking clothing? Count what you still have. How many robes are hanging in the cabinet? How much firewood remains in the woodshed? How many potatoes are still stored away? Don't focus on what is missing. Focus on what remains. Spring will come again. Put your mind at ease."
Then he added:
"'Peace of mind' does not mean carelessness. It means settling the mind."
Spring eventually arrived. Because of the abundant winter snow, the flowers bloomed more beautifully than ever, and the temple gradually returned to its former prosperity.
One day, the master prepared to travel far away.
The little monk ran to the temple gate and asked:
"Master, if you leave, what will happen to us?"
The master smiled and waved his hand.
"If you have learned to let go, make space, remain balanced, and settle your minds, then what is there that I cannot let go of as well?"
Cultivating the Buddha and Cultivating the Mind
A heartbroken man once traveled deep into the mountains and arrived at a temple, where he met Master Ikkyu.
He said:
"I have lost love and feel broken. I hope to come to the temple to practice Buddhism and heal my pain."
Master Ikkyu replied:
"There is no need to cultivate the Buddha. The Buddha is not broken. You should first cultivate yourself."
The Buddha taught:
"Great compassion has no tears. Great awakening has no words. Great laughter has no sound. Follow the natural way."
Within these few Zen teachings lies profound insight.
Emptiness Does Not Mean Nothing Exists
Huineng was deeply devoted to spiritual practice and traveled far and wide seeking great teachers.
One day, he visited Shaolin Temple and met Master Wuyuan.
Eager to demonstrate his spiritual understanding, Huineng proudly explained:
"Mind, Buddha, and all beings are all empty. All phenomena are empty. There is no attachment, no mind, no sage, no giving, and no receiving."
At that moment, Master Wuyuan was quietly sweeping fallen leaves from the ground. Without responding, he suddenly struck Huineng lightly with his broom.
Huineng immediately became angry.
Master Wuyuan then asked:
"You say everything is empty and nothing truly exists. If that is so, where did this anger come from?"
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