Anger... and its consequences!
At some point in time we have all tasted the bitter and regrettable results of our actions... done in anger or in impetuous behaviour, (reminds us of the 5th Dojo Code). Here's a good tale of how we can hold our horses and keep the harmony. A highly recommended read for all!!!
THE FISHERMAN AND THE SAMURAI (An old folklore
of Bushido)
Once upon a time, a long time ago, during the reign of the Tokagawa Shogunate, a
samurai set out on an errand.
Precisely one year ago to that day, he had lent 10 Koku to a fisherman in a
small coastal village nearby, and today was the day the fisherman had promised
he would repay the debt.
The samurai arrived in the village at noon and upon enquiring at the fisherman's
home he was told by the fisherman's wife that he would find the man down at his
boat working on his nets. Upon seeing the samurai coming up the beach, the
fisherman threw himself to the ground and bowed his head to the sand. "Get up"
said the samurai, "As agreed it has been one year, and I have come to collect
the money you owe me".
"I have not forgotten my debt to you" said the fisherman, who now stood but with
his head still bowed, "but it has been a very bad year for me and I regret that
I do not have the money I owe you".
Hearing this the samurai, who was not a man known for his patience, flushed with
anger and quickly drew his sword, preparing to kill the fisherman then and
there. "Why should I not simply slay you instead?" shouted the samurai as he
raised the deadly blade above his head.
Fearing that his life was at an end, and having nothing to lose the fisherman
boldly spoke out. "For some time now I have been studying martial arts" he
replied, "and one of the lessons that my master teaches, is never to strike when
you are angry". "I beg you" said the fisherman, "give me one more year to pay
back what I owe you!"
Thinking about what the fisherman had just said, the samurai slowly lowered his
sword. "Your master is wise." said the samurai, "As a student of the art of the
sword, I too have heard that lesson many times, but sometimes I get so angry, I
act without thinking". Putting away his sword the samurai spoke in a voice that
was use to being obeyed. "You shall have another year to repay your debt to me"
he said, "but when I return, if you do not have all the money you owe me I shall
not hesitate to take your life instead!" and without another word he turned and
walked away.
Having left the village later than he intended to, it was already dark by the
time the samurai arrived home. Seeing no lights on in the house, he crept in
quietly not wishing to wake the servants or his wife. As he entered his bed
chamber, he notice that there were two persons lying on his futon. One, he
recognized as his wife, and the other, from the clothing, was unmistakably
another samurai.
Swiftly he drew his sword, and as his anger quickly grew, he moved in to slay
them both. Just then, as he was about to strike, the fisherman's words came back
to him, "never strike when you are angry". This time I shall follow the lesson
he thought to himself, pausing he took a deep breath and tried to relax, then on
purpose he made a loud noise. Hearing the sound both his wife and the stranger
immediately woke up, and when his wife had lit a candle, he found himself face
to face with his wife and his mother, who had dressed up in his clothes and
another set of swords.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, "I almost slew you both!". His wife
quickly explained that when he had not returned by night fall, they decided to
dress his mother up in his clothes so that in the event that an intruder entered
the home, they would be frightened off at the sight of a samurai in the house.
At that moment the samurai realized that his habit of "acting in anger without
thinking" had almost cost him the life of his wife and his mother. One year
later the samurai again walked down the same beach towards the fisherman. After
exchanging the proper formal greetings the fisherman said, "It has been an
excellent year my Lord, here is all the money I owe you as promised, and with
interest".
"Keep your money!" replied the samurai, "You do not know it, but your debt was
paid to me long ago!"
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