The monk and the librarian

The librarian watched the old Japanese monk sitting in the corner of the library.  The monk visited the library every day where he would sit and meditate, his eyes closed, his countenance peaceful. 

Months passed and the librarian could contain himself no longer.  “I see you here every day,” he said to the monk, “but I never see you reading the sutras.”

“I don’t know how to read,” the monk replied.

“Why, that’s a disgrace!” the librarian exclaimed, truly shocked that the humble monk had never learned to read.  “Shall I teach you how to read?”

“Yes. Please tell me,” the monk said, pointing to himself, “what is the meaning of this character?”