Zen Parables - A General And Zen Master

In this talk, Ektaji narrates a parable of a General and a Zen Master. The parable might evoke some thoughts, emotions. Know that these are just thoughts not "your" thoughts. Know that these are just emotions not "your" emotions. Detach yourself from thoughts and emotions

Transcript

Welcome to Zen parables with Ekta.

The essence of Zen lies in dissolving into nothingness,

Into that silence that lies behind sound,

Into the awareness behind thought.

When you hear a Zen parable,

A lot of thoughts arise.

Detach from the thoughts.

Make an attempt to dissolve in the nothingness behind the thought.

Remember,

They are not your thoughts,

They are just thoughts.

Don't serve them tea.

Today's Zen parable is called,

A General and a Zen Master.

During the civil war in feudal Japan,

An invading army was going from one town to another,

Sweeping into the town and taking control.

In one particular village lived a Zen master.

Everyone fled when this army arrived,

Except the Zen master.

Curious about this old fellow,

The general of the army went to the temple to see for himself,

What kind of a man was this Zen master who had not fled?

The general was not greeted with submissiveness.

The general was not greeted with fear.

The general was not accustomed to this kind of boldness.

He burst into anger and he shouted,

You fool,

Don't you realize you are standing before a man who could kill you without blinking an eye.

The Zen master seemed unmoved.

He calmly responded,

And do you realize that you are standing before a man who can be killed without blinking an eye?

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