Warrior of the Light Online - #34

In this issue:
1 – An encounter at the Dentsu Gallery 
2 – Japanese stories of masters and disciples

An encounter at the Dentsu gallery

Three very well-dressed gentlemen came to my hotel in Tokyo.
- Yesterday you gave a conference at the Dentsu Gallery – said one of them. – I entered by chance, just as you were saying that no encounter takes place by chance. Perhaps we should introduce ourselves. 
I didn’t ask how they had found out which hotel I was staying in, I didn’t ask anything; if people are capably of overcoming such difficulties, they deserve every respect. One of the three men handed me some books in Japanese. My interpreter was excited: this man was Kazuhito Aida, the son of the great Japanese poet, of whom I had never heard. 
And it was precisely the mysterious synchronicity of these encounters which enabled me to discover, read and now share with the readers of this column, a little of the magnificent work of Mitsuo Aida (1924-1998), the calligrapher and poet, whose writings remind us of the importance of innocence:

*****
Because it has lived life intensely
the dry grass grabs the passer-by’s attention 
Flowers merely blossom, 
and do so as best they can. 
The white lily of the valley, which no one sees
explains itself to no one;
it only lives for beauty.
Men, however, cannot live with “only”.

*****

If tomatoes wish to be melons
they will become a farce. 
I am amazed
that so many people are busy 
wanting to be what they are not;
why become a farce?

****

You need not pretend you are strong 
should not always prove that all is well, 
must not worry about what others think
cry if necessary
it is good to cry until no tears are left
(for only then will you smile again)

****

Sometimes I watch the openings of tunnels and bridges on TV. This is what usually happens: many celebrities and local politicians line up, with the host minister or governor in the middle. Then, a ribbon is cut, and when the directors of the works return to their offices, they receive many letters of recognition and admiration.
Those who gave their sweat and work, who held the pick and spade, who exhausted themselves working in the summer, or were made to bear the harsh winter in order to finish the job, are never seen; it seems that the best part belongs to those whose faces never sweat at all.
I always want to be someone capable of seeing the faces which are not seen – those who seek neither fame not glory, who silently play the part destined for them by life.
I want to be capable of this, for the most important things in existence are those which build us, never showing their faces.

Japanese stories of masters and disciples 

The master is like bell

A student who had recently arrived at the monastery, went to master Nokami and asked him how he should prepare for the exercise of meditation. 
“Do not be afraid to ask” – was the reply. 
“And how can I learn to ask?”
“A master is like a bell. If you strike it lightly, all you will heard is a gentle vibration. But if you bang it freely, it will resonate loudly and shake you to the depths of your soul. Ask with courage, and only stop when you obtain the answer you sought.”

No one changes destiny

Before a decisive battle, the Japanese general decided to take the initiative and attack, knowing that the enemy was greater in number. Although he was sure of his strategy, his men were fearful.
On the way to the confrontation, they decided to stop at a temple. After praying, the general turned to his soldiers:
- I will toss this coin. If it is heads, we return to camp. If it is tails, that means that the gods will protect us, and we shall defeat the enemy. Now, our future will be revealed. 
He threw the coin high up, and the eyes of his anxious soldiers saw the result: tails. They all rejoiced, and as they attacked were filled with confidence and vigor, and were able to celebrate victory later that afternoon.
His chief officer said proudly:
- The gods are always right. No one can change the destiny they reveal.
- You are right, no one can change destiny when we are resolved to follow it. The gods help us, but at times we must help them too. – he replied, handing the officer the coin. 
Both sides were tails.

Emptying the cup

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master in Kyoto, in search of knowledge. While the monk served tea, the professor commented exercises, analyzed writings, interpreted stories and traditions, and deliberated on the ancient processes of meditation. He did everything to impress his host, in the hopes that he might be accepted as a disciple.
As he spoke, the monk continued to fill his cup, until it overflowed, and tea began to flow across the whole table.
- What are you doing? Can’t you see the cup is full, and that nothing more will fit in it?
- Your soul is like this cup – replied the master. – How can I teach you the true art of Zen Buddhism, if it is already filled with theories? 

Who is the most powerful master

One of Yu’s disciples was talking to a disciple of Rinzai:
- My master is a man capable of doing miracles, that is why he is respected by all his pupils. I have seen him do things far beyond our capabilities. And your master? What great miracles can he do?
- My master’s greatest miracle is that he doesn’t need to display any great wonder, in order to show his pupils that he is a wise man – was the reply.

Copyright @ 2002 by Paulo Coelho. 
The Warrior of the Light Online is a monthly publication at the site www.paulocoelho.com.br. It may be freely distributed over the Internet and included on pages where the content is free, provided the source is credited as follows: “Warrior of the Light, a www.paulocoelho.com.br publication.”
The author reserves the right to alter these conditions at any time.