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Zen Stories
Tea combat
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.
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