An Old Folks Tale, Revised from Memory.
The wise Old Man was well know throughout the Province for his wisdom and kindness. Having been sought out by many strangers for this wise teachings. Though his circumstances were humble, his sprite was kind and helpful.
Sitting on a straw mat in front of his house, he was weaving one of many baskets to sell at the market place, a granddaughter brought him a bowl of rice to eat... When a Large man's shadow glided across the ground in front of him. Looking up, he saw a Samurai Warrior standing before him... There was ample evidence that the samurai had survived many battles. Without any introduction the samurai exclaimed; "I am told you are a wise man." The Old Man responded; "That has been kindly said of me." " Well, we shall see," said the Samurai. "I have come to test you." "Oh?" said the Old Man. The Samurai then demanded "If you are wise... you will be able to show me the difference between the so-called Heaven and Hell that you teach about." Without a moments thought... the Old Man said... "Begone with you, you miserable lout I haven't the time to waste on a person such as yourself, I must eat my meal."
In a rage, at the disrespect that had been offered, the Samurai quickly drew his sword above his head, preparing to strike and said "Why, I should kill you for your insolence." "That" said the Old Man "Is Hell". Realizing that his own weakness had been caught in the Old Man's example, he quickly sheathed his sword and knelt down beside the Old Man to ask forgiveness for his own disrespect. "And that," said the Old Man... "Is Heaven".
"You Are What You Do"
The wise Old Man was well know throughout the Province for his wisdom and kindness. Having been sought out by many strangers for this wise teachings. Though his circumstances were humble, his sprite was kind and helpful.
Sitting on a straw mat in front of his house, he was weaving one of many baskets to sell at the market place, a granddaughter brought him a bowl of rice to eat... When a Large man's shadow glided across the ground in front of him. Looking up, he saw a Samurai Warrior standing before him... There was ample evidence that the samurai had survived many battles. Without any introduction the samurai exclaimed; "I am told you are a wise man." The Old Man responded; "That has been kindly said of me." " Well, we shall see," said the Samurai. "I have come to test you." "Oh?" said the Old Man. The Samurai then demanded "If you are wise... you will be able to show me the difference between the so-called Heaven and Hell that you teach about." Without a moments thought... the Old Man said... "Begone with you, you miserable lout I haven't the time to waste on a person such as yourself, I must eat my meal."
In a rage, at the disrespect that had been offered, the Samurai quickly drew his sword above his head, preparing to strike and said "Why, I should kill you for your insolence." "That" said the Old Man "Is Hell". Realizing that his own weakness had been caught in the Old Man's example, he quickly sheathed his sword and knelt down beside the Old Man to ask forgiveness for his own disrespect. "And that," said the Old Man... "Is Heaven".
"You Are What You Do"
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