The story describes an earthquake that shook a Zen temple, collapsing parts of it and terrifying many monks. When it ended, the teacher explained how he remained composed by leading the monks to safety and drinking water to appear calm, though he was actually tense. One monk laughed, revealing the teacher had drank soy sauce by mistake in his attempt to appear self-controlled. The story highlights how even those who appear most composed during crises can still feel inner tension, and it is natural to make mistakes when under stress.

1. Story to reflect
Upon 5
Self-Control
One day there was an earthquake that shook the entire Zen
temple. Parts of it even collapsed. Many of the monks were
terrified. When the earthquake stopped the teacher said,
"Now you have had the opportunity to see how a Zen man
behaves in a crisis situation. You may have noticed that I
did not panic. I was quite aware of what was happening and
what to do. I led you all to the kitchen, the strongest part of
the temple. It was a good decision, because you see we
have all survived without any injuries. However, despite my
self-control and composure, I did feel a little bit tense -
which you may have deduced from the fact that I drank a
large glass of water, something I never do under ordinary
circumstances. "One of the monks smiled, but didn't say
anything. "What are you laughing at?" asked the teacher.
"That wasn't water," the monk replied, "it was a large glass
of soy sauce."
People's Reactions To The Story - Reflections
* "I see this sort of behavior often in men. They feel they have to put on a front
to appear to be something that they are not."
* "Sometimes the calmest looking person in an emergency situation is really
the most nervous."
* "This reminds me of people who think they are so great and are always
bragging about it. Admitting that they are wrong is the hardest thing in their
lives, when it should be something that's very natural."
* "Sometimes, when you're in a very stressful situation, you aren't aware of
your actions until someone else points it out."
* "To conquer one's mind is the greatest challenge. To have a mind that is truly
calm, composed and equanimous requires continuous and ardent training and
development of the mind."

2. Story To
Reflect Upon 6
Sand and Stone
A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some
point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other
one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying
anything, wrote in the sand:
"TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE."
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a
bath. The one, who had been slapped, got stuck in the mire and started
drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near
drowning, he wrote on a stone: "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY
LIFE."
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt
you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied: "When someone hurts us, we should write it down in
sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does
something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever
erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND, AND TO CARVE
YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.
Reflection
* When one learns not to retaliate or react to a perceived 'wrong' done by
another towards oneself, then one is growing spiritually.
* Retaliatory force, aggression, anger, ill-will, revenge and hatred would
not solve a problem. Anger or hatred is not overcome by anger or
hatred ... it is through patience, tolerance, understanding, love and
compassion that anger, ill-will or hatred is overcome.
* Reacting to a happening with anger, aggression, ill-will or hatred will
cause one to suffer in body and mind.
* Learning to let go or forgive another for his 'wrong' towards us will
keep the mind calm, peaceful and free. It lightens the mind ... and one is
on the path to peace and freedom.
* When someone does us a good turn, it is good spiritual quality to show
appreciation and gratitude.
* The practice of gratefulness helps to establish care, harmony and love in
the hearts of people. And it brings spiritual growth.