to each his own (destiny)
10 Jan 2012 16 Comments
in all, birthday, blog, inspiration, short stories, thoughts, Uncategorized, wisdom, zen Tags: all, blog, blogging, blogs, inspiration, lessons, life, martial arts, musings, opinion, philosophy, random thoughts, reflections, samurai, short stories, spirituality, tales, thought, thoughts, writing, zen
“Why do I feel so inferior?” he asked, as soon as the monk finished his prayers. “I have faced death many times, have defended those who are weak, I know I have nothing to be ashamed of. Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating, I felt that my life had absolutely no importance whatsoever.”
“Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you.”
The samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple gardens, watching the people go in and out in search of advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on his face. But his enthusiasm soon began to wane, since he had been born to act, and not to wait.
At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he demanded: “Now can you teach me?”
The master invited him in and lead him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.
“Do you see the moon, how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire firmament, and tomorrow the sun will shine once again. But sunlight is much brighter, and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds. I have contemplated the two for years, and have never heard the moon say: why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?”
“Of course not – answered the samurai. – The moon and the sun are different things, each has its own beauty. You cannot compare the two.”
“So you know the answer. We are two different people, each fighting in his own way for that which he believes, and making it possible to make the world a better place; the rest are mere appearances.”
Jan 10, 2012 @ 07:19:16
I love this. Really, in my heart, love this. Was just commenting elsewhere about living in FATE versus stepping into our DESTINY and the next thing I read is your post. Feeling the energy, the message, the truth resonating. Love to you, my zen guide. xoxo
Jan 10, 2012 @ 08:52:35
Beautiful piece. I’ll add to it by saying that sometimes we’re the monk, and sometimes we’re the samurai. Nobody is always the same every day.
Peace & grace,
~Miro
Jan 10, 2012 @ 10:05:22
This is a really good thing to keep in mind. Especially when it feels like you’re falling behind in one area or another. You’re not falling behind, you’re just doing things how you do them.
Jan 10, 2012 @ 10:53:43
Each are different, each bring their own Qualities to this Earth.. and sometimes we never see them until they are pointed out to us.. For some the Grass will always be greener on the other side…
Blessings to you
The Pen is truly mightier than the sword -Art.. Keep your Writting arm always at the ready.. for it brings Wisdom and Truth to all who seek to find it..
Jan 10, 2012 @ 11:07:56
Peace and love man!
Jan 10, 2012 @ 11:41:15
Sooooo wonderful! Thank you!
Jan 10, 2012 @ 12:47:42
You turned over my hourglass with this post today, Art!
Jan 10, 2012 @ 15:09:18
Holy Moly Zen Man !!!! Grinning —– We all shine so differently – That’s what makes life so amazing . I am floored by this post Art –
“Will You Teach Me ” seriously – everything you post sends me to Heaven and beyond …..It’s always a lesson or a step i need to start learning – How do You do That ? I think it’s lovely alchemy ……I can’t read the quotes in the pictures – yet —- feel energy just from being here ——- Truth – You lift so many hearts up – in their uniqueness …..
So ….”Will You teach Me ” ……..a beautiful piece of music ……..
that i listen to everyday !
responding with sound – smiles ….
smiles for miles my friend ….
really – amazing –
love xx Cat
Jan 10, 2012 @ 15:47:00
Thanks Art…so special and so important to remember…thank you for the reminder…kathy
Jan 10, 2012 @ 15:47:36
To each his own
A skill to hone
Love this, so true, humble, and inspiring! My favorite quote was the one by Einstein!
Andrea
Jan 10, 2012 @ 16:14:56
This is exactly why I have never given a bad review. We are all different and each of our voices express different things in different ways: Suns, moons, stars, and matter, and we all matter. Love this post.
Jan 10, 2012 @ 18:04:04
That was amazing. I love the zen-filled stories you share here. Every post is a true joy.
Jan 11, 2012 @ 03:42:50
Yaaah. What you said!
(or they did lol)
Jan 11, 2012 @ 12:19:38
Great post! I have a new page because of personal reasons. Please feel free to follow me again at my new url http://tigersgroves.wordpress.com I’m hoping to see you on my list soon. Thanks!
Jan 12, 2012 @ 03:28:31
Lovely post. Many thanks.