A
master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a
soldier. He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier
demanded that the matter be settled in a sword duel. The tea master,
who had no experience with swords, asked the advice of a fellow Zen
master who did possess such skill. As he was served by his friend,
the Zen swordsman could not help but notice how the tea master
performed his art with perfect concentration and tranquillity.
"Tomorrow," the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the
soldier, hold your weapon above your head, as if ready to strike, and
face him with the same concentration and tranquillity with which you
perform the tea ceremony." The next day, at the appointed time
and place for the duel, the tea master followed this advice. The
soldier, readying himself to strike, stared for a long time into the
fully attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the soldier
lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and left without a
blow being struck.
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