A ZEN STORY
by a Zen Master
There once lived a great warrior.
Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger.
His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land
and many students gathered to study under him.
- Arrogant and Foolishly Insolent
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village.
He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master.
Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot
and exploit any weakness in an opponent.
He would wait for his opponent to make the first move,
thus revealing a weakness, and then
would strike with merciless force and lightning speed.
No one had ever lasted with him in a match
beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students,
the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge.
As the two squared off for battle,
the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master.
He threw dirt and spit in his face.
For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse
and insult known to mankind.
But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm.
Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself.
Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth,
the students gathered around the old master
and questioned him.
“How could you endure such an indignity?
How did you drive him away?”
“If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,”
the master replied, “to whom does the gift belong?”
δ
ζ
ψ
Our destiny is determined by our philosophy and attitude.
What we do in the next five minutes is also
determined by our philosophy and attitude.
We can have good intentions but unless they are followed by action,
those good intentions remain no more than an illusion.
Our attitude needs energy to survive.
We must therefore allow it to bask in moments of regeneration.
We need only rest long enough to gain strength.
A positive mental attitude is the strength to drive
our actions forward.
When you say to a child, “I’ll be there in five minutes,”
but have no intention for half an hour or more
the child starts to lose respect.
As a parent you will mould your child into a future adult,
if you refuse to give the child attention the child
will use other influences to mould themselves.
∞
words of wisdom ….
“A Strong Positive Mental Attitude will create
more Miracles than any wonder drug”.
*Patricia Neal*
∞
“Strength does not come from winning.
Your Struggles develop your Strengths.
When you go through Hardships and opt
not to Surrender, that is Strength.”
*Arnold Schwarzeneggar*
Journey of Soul and Spirit 