A Koan on Overcoming Suffering

A student approaches a master to learn how to overcome suffering. The master in turn took the student to nearby mountain. The master instructed the student to push a round boulder up the mountain. The master told the student that he will be waiting on top of the mountain with the rest of the lesson. So all morning the man worked and pushed the boulder. Using all the strength he made his way up the mountain. A trip that brought the student to the edge of dehydration and exhaustion. Eventually though, the student made it to the top. Gasping for air, he collapsed right next to the boulder. The master stat there as the student lay on the ground breathing heavily. He then began clapping to show appreciation for the accomplishment of his student. The master then grabbed a nearby stick and pushed the boulder every so slightly. The boulder then tumbled back down the mountain. The master then looked at his student and with a big smile on his face simply said “now go do it again”.