The Next Step – Zen Buddhist Spiritual Story by Osho

I have heard one story about Hotei, a Zen master. One day he was passing through a village. On his shoulders he always carried a very big bag full of many toys, chocolates and sweets for children.

Somebody asked him, ”Hotei, we have heard that you are just playing a role, acting. We have heard that you are a Zen master, so why do you go on wasting your time just giving toys to children?

And if you are really a Zen master then show us what Zen is.” Zen means the real spirit of religion.

Hotei dropped his bag, immediately he dropped his bag. They couldn’t follow, so they said, ”What do you mean?”

He said, ”This is all. If you drop the burden, this is all.”

They asked, ”Okay, then what is the next step?”

So he put his bag again on his shoulders and started walking.

”This is the next step. But now I am not carrying. I know now that the burden is not me. Now the whole burden has become just toys for children and they will enjoy it.”

Osho – Vedanta Seven Steps to Samadhi

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Message of Osho's “The Next Step” Story?

This story of Hotei encapsulates profound spiritual truths about the nature of attachment and the essence of letting go. His act of dropping the bag symbolizes the pivotal moment of realization—a profound awakening to the truth that the burdens we carry are not intrinsic to our being. It mirrors the Zen principle of detachment, inviting us to release the weight of attachments that we mistakenly identify as integral to our identities. Through Hotei's action, we witness the transformative power of letting go, shedding the false layers to unveil the essence of our true selves.

Hotei's act of dropping the bag speaks volumes about the simplicity and depth inherent in the practice of Zen. In that moment of release, he transcended the complexities and reached the core of Zen philosophy—a state of being unencumbered by the weight of possessions, desires, and false identities. His simple yet profound action resonates as an invitation to embrace a state of being unburdened, free from the constraints of attachments that often cloud our perception of reality.

The subsequent action of picking up the bag again carries a deeper revelation. It signifies not a return to burden, but a transcendence beyond it. Hotei's act of shouldering the bag once more, albeit with a transformed perspective, illustrates the realization that external possessions or responsibilities need not define or confine us. He embraces the world without being possessed by it—an embodiment of the Zen principle of living fully in the world while remaining detached from its transient nature.

The Zen master's response—carrying the bag without carrying it—resonates with the essence of mindfulness and detachment. His actions serve as a living testament to the art of non-attachment, embodying the Zen philosophy that one can engage in worldly affairs without being ensnared by them. It beckons us to adopt a similar approach, inviting us to navigate life's responsibilities and possessions with a detached yet engaged spirit, cultivating a state of inner tranquility amidst external engagements.

Moreover, Hotei's analogy of the burden transforming into toys for children encapsulates the profound shift in perspective that accompanies spiritual awakening. What was once perceived as a weighty burden becomes an offering, a source of joy for others. It underscores the beauty of relinquishing the ego's grasp on possessions, transforming them into gifts that bring happiness to others. This metamorphosis symbolizes the spiritual alchemy of converting attachments into sources of benevolence and delight.

In essence, the story of Hotei encapsulates the essence of Zen philosophy—a timeless invitation to shed the illusion of attachments, embrace the purity of being unburdened, and engage in life's experiences with a heart liberated from the weight of possessions and false identities. Through Hotei's simple yet profound actions, we are invited to contemplate the art of letting go, recognizing that true freedom lies not in possession but in the liberation of our spirits from the shackles of attachment.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. Reflect on the symbolism of Hotei carrying a bag full of toys, chocolates, and sweets for children. How does this image resonate with your understanding of generosity and the joy of giving in your own life?
2. Consider the question posed to Hotei about his role as a Zen master. How do you interpret the idea of roles and authenticity in your spiritual journey?
3. Hotei drops his bag in response to the request to show what Zen is. How does this act of letting go connect with the concept of spiritual liberation and shedding unnecessary burdens in your life?
4. Explore the significance of Hotei picking up the bag again when asked about the next step. How does this relate to the cyclical nature of life and the understanding that certain responsibilities can be carried with newfound awareness?
5. Reflect on the phrase “If you drop the burden, this is all.” How might this simple yet profound statement guide you in releasing burdens or attachments that hinder your spiritual growth?
6. Consider the idea that the burden becomes toys for children. How can this perspective shift inspire you to view challenges or responsibilities in your life with a lighter, more playful attitude?
7. In the story, people ask about the next step after Hotei drops the bag. How do you interpret the notion of the next step in your spiritual journey, especially when faced with moments of letting go?
8. Explore your understanding of Zen as the real spirit of religion. How does this concept align with or challenge your preconceptions about the essence of spirituality?
9. Reflect on the simplicity of Hotei's actions and responses. How might embracing simplicity and letting go of complexity contribute to your own spiritual well-being?
10. Consider the dual nature of Hotei's carrying and dropping the bag. How does this duality reflect the dance between engagement with the world and detachment in your own life?