Long time ago there was a famous scholar named Soh. Coming-out from a deep meditation he was elated and immediately wrote a poem - "attained Zen, my mind is unmoved by worldly phenomena". The next day many nobles were thrilled by Soh's beautiful calligraphy and offer high price to own it. Soh had another idea, he instructed a messenger to sent the calligraphy to the Abbot of a temple at the other side of the lake. Soh said this beautiful calligraphy on my achievement will be more prominent if hung on the wall of the temple where many devotees will be able to appreciate it rather than in the house of noble.
The messenger met the Abbot and presented him the scroll as instructed. The Abbot unfolded it to read and then tore it into pieces and uttered 'WHAT A FART!". He returned the torn paper to the messenger who was in shock. Quickly the messenger returned to Soh, shown him the torn calligraphy and told him what theAbbot uttered. Soh was furious and despite already sunset he took a boat, crossed the lake and walked-up the long staircase of the temple. He knocked the temple door furiously. When the abbot finally opened the door, Soh lamented "how dared you belittle me like this!" The abbot smiled at him and said " attained Zen and unmoved? even a single fart is enough to blow you across the lake to my door step...". Soh immediately realised the point and bowed to the abbot thanking him for the guidance. Comments are closed.
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