Exchanging Discourse for Lodging

Monks, especially wandering monks, do not carry cash on their person; therefore a custom developed for the provision of adequate lodging. The traveller was required to undertake and win a debate about Buddhism with the inhabitants of the temple. In the event of a rare defeat he will have to move on. For this reason most temples only made a token attempt at winning the debate thus preserving the custom.

It so happens that in a temple at the far reaches of the country there dwelt two brother monks, passing the days in perfect harmony. This despite the fact they were vastly different in temperament and intelligence. The elder one was quite learned and wise, while the slow-witted younger one was unpredictable, moody and had only one good eye.

At dusk on a tempestuous day, when the sky was riddled with ominous clouds that threatened downpours any minute, a wandering monk knocked at the gate, seeking refuge for the night.  A novice showing him to a room carried his proper challenge to a debate about the sublime teachings back to the brother monks.

The elder brother was much fatigued from diligent study of the scriptures and his heavy chores on that day, so he asked his younger brother to take his place this once. On the point of exiting the room however, not entirely trusting in other’s abilities, he cautioned, “Request the silent discourse.”

Nodding, the young monk left. Meeting the traveller at the shrine later, he sat down and started the silent dialogue.

Sometime later the traveller rose with resignation and sought the older monk to offer his farewells. “Your younger brother is a truly wonderful fellow. He defeated me proper.”

The weather outside had gotten worse as the torrential rains, driven by high winds, shook the walls of the temple. The elder brother was sorry to see him go but was at the same time amazed at the unexpected outcome. He quietly said. “Can you relay the dialogue to me?”

“Well,” explained the travelling monk, “first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. Your younger brother held up two fingers together, signifying Buddha and his teaching. I held up three fingers, representing Buddha, his teaching, and his followers, living the harmonious life.  He’s truly brilliant; your brother is, for he then shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus he won the debate fair and square and so I now take my leave.” With this, the traveller reluctantly rose and left the premises.

“There is more to this than meets the eye.” The elder monk mused when, just then, his younger brother burst into the room.

“Now where is that fellow!” He asked irately.

“Calm yourself brother,” The elder indicated the seat across, “I understand you won the debate fair and square.”

“Won nothing!” The other huffed, “As soon as I catch him, I am going to give him a sound thrashing!”

“Is that any way to be?” The elder chastised him gently, sporting a bemused smile. “Come now, take a long breath, sit down and calmly tell me what was said.”

After a brief hesitation the younger brother did as he was bid. “Why, the second he saw me he held up one finger, insinuating that I have only one eye. As if I needed to be told. Since he was a stranger, wanting to be polite, I overlooked this and held up two of my fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes.  But the ill-mannered wretch held up three fingers, suggesting that between us we have three eyes. Would you believe it! I was so enraged that I held up my fist, in readiness to punch him, but the lout ran out and that ended it!”

The End.

Enjoying the Cherry Trees 2012

"A human being is part of the whole, called by us “the universe.” Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Albert Einstein

Have a good Day.

Earth Day April 22, 2012

Earth Day April 22, 2012

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

BoSt Galleries Exhibit- 6

BoSt Galleries Exhibit-6

The Circle of Truth

Whenever a feeling is voiced with truth and frankness, whenever a deed is the clear expression of sentiment, a mysterious and far-reaching influence is exerted.

At first it acts on those who are inwardly receptive. But the circle grows larger and larger. The root of all influence lies in one's own inner being: given true and vigorous expression in word and deed, its effect is great. The effect is but the reflection of something that emanates from one's own heart. Any deliberate intention of an effect would only destroy the possibility of producing it.

I Ching

Our Home- The Earth

Our Home: The Earth

Our beautiful Earth is home to all species large and small, mankind being no exception. It only makes sense that we take good care of the resources and pay heed to the welfare of this precious Blue Planet. This was a concept rarely considered before the 60’s and 70’s. Plastics for one had gained huge popularity in 60’s and since then have became a bane, something that is now choking the Earth. There is a ray of hope however, for recently they have discovered a mushroom that eats plastics. But I digress; fortunately since the 70’s and 80’s we have gained the conscientious, empathetic understanding that unites everyone in our common desire to save the Earth from this headlong race to destruction. Many organizations are now thriving by employing earth friendly products and processes. I recently visited the Green Living Show in Toronto, and emerged filled with optimism for the health and welfare of our common home: the Earth. 

Here are few images from the Green Living Show:

 The end.