The figure here is suffering after this Buddhist master has recently passed away. The monk was asked, "Why are you so sad? Surely, you must know that your master will live once again." The monk explained that he had not been able to find enlightenment as a student and was sad that he may never be able to find enlightenment. The monk was awake all night long, meditating and feeling sorrow. When morning came, the monk said that he was able to reach the enlightenment that he had strived for all this time. In times of sorrow there is potential for an amazing transformation.
