the fiery sermon

 

A zen master, who previously had been attending meditation in congregation regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the temple Abbott and teacher decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The Abbott found the zen master at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the fellow teachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The Abbott made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs.

After some minutes, the Abbott took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host, watched his friend and fellow master in quiet fascination. As the one lone ember’s flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and “dead as a doornail.” Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting.

Just before the Abbott was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the Abbott reached the door to leave, his host said, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the ” fiery” sermon. I shall be back for meditation in the temple.”

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This story reminded me of the ‘Rainbow story.’

Each color has it’s place, importance and beauty

but not until they are united, can they make a rainbow!

On every hand there is more than one finger,

teaching us to ban together

 

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one is a drop of water

but banned together we can make a wave!

(~_~)

 

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