The master told her students
This is the path to enlightenment

“But it is so straight”, one replied

True, said the master

“I expected the path to be difficult!” 

The straight path is difficult

“How can it be?
There are no mountain passes to find!
No intersections or forks to choose from!
No sharp curves to negotiate!”

Many students nodded their agreement

The master shook her head

The straight path is difficult because
You want to climb mountains
You expect there to be many paths to choose from
You believe there should be sharp changes in direction

One student had sat quietly through all this
Listening while looking straight down the long path
As far as she could see
Finally, she spoke

“Walking the straight path is impossible
For one who seeks insight
From every roadside attraction”

The master smiled
I am your student!