A Zen student came to Bankei and said: “Master, I have an ungovernable temper — how can I cure it?”
“Show me this temper,” said Bankei, “it sounds fascinating.”
“I haven’t got it right now,” said the student, “so I can’t show it to you.”
“Well then” said Bankei, “bring it to me when you have it.”
“But I can’t bring it just when I happen to have it,” protested the student. “It arises unexpectedly, and I would surely lose it before I got it to you.”
“In that case,” said Bankei, “it cannot be part of your true nature. If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you — so it must come into you from the outside. I suggest that whenever it gets into you, you beat yourself with a stick until the temper can’t stand it, and runs away.”
[The full story can be found in The unborn: the life and teaching of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693 by Bankei , Normal Waddell, translator.]
If you liked this story, please share the link! Thanks for reading and thank you for your support, Sandra
Haha, superb!
I think so too! Thanks so much for commenting! Wonderful information on Japan that you have on your blog. Wishing you the best.
You’re most kind. Thank you
HI Sandra,
This is such a wonderful story…and reinstates so beautiful what are true self is really like-calm&happy.
All the negatives are not part of this true self…they are acquired…and just as they have been acquired…so can they be shed.
Beautiful!
Much love to you,
Z~
p.s. I changed my theme finally ,,,let me know what you think.
Hi Zeenat, You are so right, the negatives are not permanent! Just like clouds passing in the sky. I LOVE your new theme/look. I’m amazed by how well it suits your blog. Fantastic results. Congratulations on making the change. Sending you a hug.
A great lesson of life.
Hola and welcome. Thanks very much for your comment. I wish you well developing your blog.
This story is simply amazing. I will keep it in my mind and try to remain calm in “those” situations.
Thanks Sara for your best wishes to my blog, and congratulations for the good job that you are doing in yours. And if you understand spanish or not, welcome to my blog too.
Blessings! =)