Right and Wrong
January 18th 2007 12:58
Category: Oriental Thoughts
When Bankei held his seclusion-weeks or meditation, pupils from many parts of Japan came to attend. During one of these gatherings, a pupil was caught stealing. The matter was reported to Bankei with the request that the culprit be expelled. Bankei ignored the case.
Later the pupil was caught in a similar act, and again Bankei disregarded the matter. This angered the other pupils, who drew up a petition asking for the dismissal or the thief, stating that otherwise they would leave in a body.
When Bankei had read the petition he called everyone before him. "You are wise brothers," he told them. "You know what is right and what is not right. You may go somewhere else to study if you wish, but I his poor brother does not even know right from wrong. Who will teach him if i do not? I am going to keep him here even if all the rest of you leave.”
A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the brother who had stolen. All desire to steal had vanished.
Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Later the pupil was caught in a similar act, and again Bankei disregarded the matter. This angered the other pupils, who drew up a petition asking for the dismissal or the thief, stating that otherwise they would leave in a body.
A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the brother who had stolen. All desire to steal had vanished.
In a flock of one hundred sheep, one goes missing. A thorough search is made for the lost sheep while the other ninety-nine are left unattended i the pasture or wilderness. Help the one that needs help most
Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
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WeR1Family
Comment by WeR1Family
Stories of Wisdom
Lone - My Life and Thoughts
Evil never yet dispelled evil
Only love dispels hate
This is the law
Ancient and inexhaustible
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
An interesting story, with implications for migration law and criminal law.