The Zen Buddhist teacher Ryokan, was requested by his sister-in-law to come to her house and talk to her son. She complained that her son doesn’t work, squanders his father’s money in wild parties and is neglecting the estate. She said, “If he does not reform, we will be ruined.” The great Master agreed to come to her house.
As Ryokan came to his brother’s house, he was cordially received by his nephew. Ryokan was pleased to see hm. Even though Ryokan spent many hours in the house, he said not a word in rebuke, the whole day. The young man who knew why his uncle was there was surprised. The next morning Ryokan put on his garments and then requested his nephew; “Will you help me tie the thongs of my sandals? My hands shake and I cannot do it.”His nephew helped him willingly. “Thank you,” said Ryokan. “A man becomes older and feebler day by day. You remember how strong and robust I used to be?” “I do,” said his nephew, thoughtfully. “I do indeed remember how you used to be.” It was the moment of truth for him. He suddenly realised that his mother and all those who looked after him had become old and that it is his turn now to look after them. That very moment he decided to give up his dissolute life forever.
Everybody wants the world to change. Master Ryokan but reminds us that the best technique to effect a change is a powerful live situation. It has its own impact. According to an old adage, an exemplary act equals one million advises. There was once a thief who wanted to cart away a heavy bell. He decided to break it first. As he hit the bell, a loud noise was heard. Not wanting others to hear the sound, he is said to have covered up his ears. Even while the society is badly in need of thorough reformation, we do not hear too many raising their hands for the cause. The reason simply is that most of us are under covers of some sort. There is a way out; it is nothing else but uncovering ourselves for an example. It might help us look into ourselves.
