One day a young monk asked one of the elders
why so many people came to the desert seeking God
but gave up after a short time and returned to the city.
The old monk told him this story.
“Last evening, my dog saw a rabbit running
for cover in the desert and
he began chasing the rabbit, barking loudly.
Other dogs joined the chase barking and running.
They ran a great distance and alerted many other dogs.
Soon the desert was echoing to the sounds of their
pursuit and the chase went on into the night.
“After a while many of the dogs grew tired and dropped out.
A few chased the rabbit until the night was nearly spent.
By morning my dog continued the hunt alone.
“Do you understand,” the old man said, “ what I have told you?”
“No”, replied the young monk, “I don’t.”
“It is simple,” said the desert father, “My dog saw the rabbit.
