The student sat in the opening of the cave and observed the winter snows falling before him. The snow fell gently, peacefully into the valley where he lived.
He observed a snowflake as it fell to the ground before him. It drifted silently upon the breeze to alight upon other snowflakes, remaining as pristine as the moment it formed far above.
He observed another as it came to rest upon his leg. It, too, fell silently, riding the gentle currents of the air; but, upon touching his skin, the snowflake melted into a small drop of water.
The man was then enlightened.
