[xniNja]

Is it a personal interpretation, or is there a generally accepted interpretation by people who follow Zen principles?

I would personally (based more on the parable itself, rather than knowledge of Zen) infer the boy's enlightenment came as a realization that ones own experience is necessary in achieving enlightenment, not necessarily the standard spiritual/mental vs. physical path.

(When people asked Gutei about Zen, he raised his finger rather than explain - as it could not be explained, but the boy whose finger was taken experienced it for himself)

I'll add that I've studied Buddhism, but never fully grasped the crux of Zen. I'm interested what, if anything, lead to that interpretation.