One evening as Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras, a thief with a sharp sword entered, demanding either his money or his life.
Shichiri told him, “Do not disturb me. You can find the money in that drawer.” Then he continued his meditations.
A little while afterwards he stopped and called, “Don’t take it all. I need some to pay taxes tomorrow.”
The robber gathered up most of his money and started to leave. “Thank a person when you receive a gift,” Shichiri added. The man thanked him and made off.
A few days afterwards, the fellow was caught and confessed, among others, the offense against Shichiri. When Shichiri was called as a witness, he said, “This man is not a thief, at least as far as I am concerned. I gave him the money and he thanked me for it.”
After he had finished his prison term, the man went to Shichiri and became his disciple.
REFLECTION
This Zen story beautifully shows that one has a choice to react to circumstances however one wishes. This is not easy and takes much practice and efforts, but if one wishes to be less irritable, angry or miserable, make it your aim, keep it constantly in mind, and see what comes.
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