The story is told of a holy man who lived in a large house on top of a remote mountain. Over time, news of the holy man's greatness spread throughout the land, and many seekers made their way over the mountains in hopes of having even a brief moment with this saintly being. Each aspirant was greeted at the door by a servant, who ushered him or her into the house and guided the visitor through several rooms. After a few minutes the servant and aspirant arrived at another door, which led out of the back of the house. The servant opened the door and indicated to the visitor that it was time to leave. "But I was hoping to have even a few minutes with the holy man!" the aspirant would utter in frustration. "You just did," answered the holy man as he closed the door.

—Alan Cohen

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