Once, a division of the Japanese army was engaged in a sham battle, and some of the officers found it necessary to make their headquarters in Gasan’s temple.
Gasan told his cook: “Let the officers have only the same simple fare we eat.”
This made the army men angry , as they were used to very deferential treatment.
One came to Gasan and said: “Who do you think we are?
We are soldiers, sacrificing our lives for our country.
Why don’t you treat us accordingly?”
Gasan answered sternly: “Who do you think we are?
We are Soldiers of Humanity, aiming to save all sentient beings .”
Love All.
Photo (c) ram H singhal
Compiled for Thursday Zen notes : Beyond the Rainbow
ram H singhal 