The Master was orphaned while still a child. At the age of fifteen, he went with his elder cousin, the monk Sŏn’gyun, to Puhŭng Monastery,[43] where they had an interview with the Venerable Sikhyŏn[44] and attached themselves to him as his attendants.
However, the capacity of the instructor was inferior to the ability of the pupil in this case, and although it was a matter of (the Master being) a mere basketful of earth (that was) refusing to yield to a lofty eminence, how could a single cup of water slake such a great thirst?
At that time, the capacity of Ŭisun of Yŏngt’ong Monastery[45] was like that of a great bell.[46] He treated his questioners with kindness, and so, from all quarters, those seeking instruction gathered around him like mist. [47] The Master had a similar desire for learning—he was as keen as a tiger that has scented its prey on the wind. And so every evening after dusk, he would wait until Sikhyŏn had retired for the night, and then slip away to Yŏngt’ong Monastery to seek instruction, only returning at daybreak to prepare the morning gruel and attend the service.
Sikhyŏn in fact knew what the Master wished to do, and since he could not stand in the way of what was meant to be, he at length gave his permission for (the Master) to go over to Ŭisun. The matter was concluded in accordance with the Master’s wishes, and he duly went there. So, from that day forth, the profound ocean of teachings was poured out to him, and the vast sky of Truth was spread out before him. During this period he had little food, and on more than ten occasions he went without eating for seven days; but never did the thought of giving up or neglecting his studies occur to him.