Stories of Wisdom - Entertaining and Enlightening Stories

Inspiring entertaining and enlightening stories of wisdom from cultures all around the world. Enjoy and get inspired!

Obedience

December 24th 2006 13:51

The master Bankei's talks were attended not only by Zen students but by persons of all ranks and sects. He never quoted sutras nor indulged in scholastic dissertations. Instead, his words were spoken directly from his heart to the hearts of his listeners.

His large audiences angered a priest of the Nichiren sect because the adherents had left to hear about Zen. The self- centered Nichiren priest came to the temple, determined to debate with Bankei.
"Hey, Zen teacher!" he called out. "Wait a minute. Whoever respects you will obey what you say, but a man like myself does not respect you. Can you make me obey you?"
"Come up beside me and i will show you," said Bankei
Proudly the priest pushed his way through the crowd to the teacher.
Bankei smiled, " Come over to my left side"
The priest did so.
"No," said Bankei, "we may talk better if you are on the right side. Step over here."
The priest proudly stepped over to the right.
"You see," observed Bankei, "you are obeying me and i think you are a very gentle person. Now sit down and listen."

****

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Comments

2 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Adrian

December 24th 2006 20:19

Philosophy Blog

Hey, could you explain the lesson? I don't understand...

Comment by WeR1Family

December 25th 2006 15:45

Stories of Wisdom
Lone - My Life and Thoughts

One of the lessons i can see from this story is that to be able to think clearly, we should remain calm, as calm as water, through which its bottom we can see clearly.

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