SOMETHING FROM NOTHING

Once on a journey the Zen master zenko happened to see a ruined temple that he thought should be restored.

Completely without material resources of his own, zenko wrote a large sign saying,

"This month on such and such a day the pilgrim Zen master zenko will perform a self cremation.
Let those who will donate money for firewood come watch"

Now zenko posted this sign here and there. Soon the local people were agog, and donations began pouring in.

On the appointed day people jammed the temple, awaiting for the lighting of the fire.

zenko sat in the firewood, preparing to immolate himself. he called for the fuel to be ignited at his signal.

Now zenko went into silent meditation. A long time passed. All of a sudden he looked up to the sky and nodded.

Then he addressed the crowd, saying:

"Listen. there are voices in the clouds. Just as i was about to enter into extinction' the saints all said,

'its too early for you to think of leaving this defiled world;

Put up with this world for awhile, and stay here to save living beings.'

"So, i can't go on with the cremation today"

Then he took the money that had been donated and was able to restore the abandoned temple with it.


PS: the "little book of zen"

PSS: (venture capitalism ?)

( preying on the weak?)

( philanthropy? )


connect your own dots...

(pabloshouse)