RIGHT and WRONG A Zen Story To Reflect Upon

When a Zen Master held a long Meditation Retreat, pupils from many parts of Japan came to attend.

One day, one of the pupils was caught stealing by the other pupils.

The matter was reported to the Master with the request that the culprit be expelled.

The Zen Master chose the ignore the case. The pupils were very disappointed.

Not long later, the same pupil was caught in a similar act of stealing. BAG

This angered the other pupils very much. They drew up a petition asking for the dismissal of the thief, stating that otherwise they would all leave altogether.

When the Master had read the petition, he called everyone before him.

“ You are wise brothers,” he told them. “You know what is Right and what is Wrong.”

“ You may go somewhere else to study if you wish,” the Master continued, “but this 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.” Zen Master

Zen Master A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the brother who had stolen. All desire to steal had vanished. All the other pupils chose to stay on with the Zen Master. They had realized a good degree of Compassion and Wisdom.

Reflection 1 Great Spiritual Masters have real Compassion and Wisdom. Learn and grow from them.

Reflection 2 Every sentient being in Samsara has the potential to become a Buddha…when he realizes his defilements and takes steps to remove them.

Reflection 3 In walking the Spiritual Path, one needs to develop a non-judgmental, forgiving and compassionate heart. No one is a ‘sinner’ beyond redemption…only his actions may be foolish, unskillful or unwholesome.

Reflection 4 Great Dhamma teachers practise patience, understanding, compassion and wisdom.

Reflection 5 Harbouring aversion, ill will, anger, hatred and enmity weakens one’s mind. The End With Metta, Bro. Oh Teik Bin