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 tranquility.
"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 tranquility 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.
________________________________________________________________________
best wishes
zendervish
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