Once a student came to a teacher and, after a respectful greeting, said the following : Has it not been taught that the sacred light is present in all names and forms?

Indeed, said the teacher, it is so.

Then, said the student, why is it that we are given rules to follow? Some actions and forms are excluded and others are encouraged. These various disciplines are prescribed to reveal what is there already. Why is it so?

Bring a candle, said the teacher to the student. In a few moments, the student returned with a small, unlit candle.

Although this candle is unlit, said the teacher, it has fire hidden inside. When the fire of the candle is awakened by another flame, it will burn. Is it not so?

Yes, it is so, said the student.

And there is also fire in wood, said the teacher. If you pile wood together and light it with a flame, the fire of the wood will be released. Is that not so?

Certainly it is so, said the student.

Then, suppose that you pile much wood together, and make it burn, and the wind comes. What will happen?

The fire will burn more brightly, said the student.

And if you make the candle burn, and the wind comes? What will happen then?

It will be extinguished, said the student.

Just so, said the teacher. When the fire is small, it requires care and skill to make it grow. Therefore the path gives students disciplines, to let the light grow until it is inextinguishable.