113. The Chinese master Ungan began his Zen training under Hyakujo in 794 C.E. He was twelve years old at the time. But though he practised with his master Hyakujo for the next twenty years he failed to achieve any deep realisation. After Hyakujo's death Ungan became a disciple of Yakusan. Eventually, guided by Yakusan, he came to a deep, transforming Enlightenment-Realisation. Commentators say that he 'ripened slowly'. However, it would seem that his case is not atypical. The Way of Zen does not offer quick and easy results. And yet 'before a step is taken the goal is reached'.
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