Dinner Plates A month ago, Angry Monk asked Sensei if he could break some dinner plates. Sensei excitedly agreed and requested the Monastery housekeeper to bring out old dinner plates for Angry Monk. Sensei invited all the monks to watch and instructed Angry Monk to throw the plates into the empty swimming pool that had been drained of water, as was customary in the winter season. The monks assembled on the terrace and Angry Monk began throwing the old plates into the swimming pool with great enthusiasm. Some of the plates Angry Monk tossed, some he flung down with force and some, he just let go. After smashing all the plates, Angry Monk seemed exhausted and spent. He was sweating and his face was red. As the monks went downstairs, Angry Monk collected a broom and basket and headed towards the swimming pool to collect and dispose of the broken plate pieces. Sensei stopped him and said, Not now. I will tell you when you can clean the pool and remove the broken pieces. All the monks including Angry Monk were surprised. Since that day, the pool has been as is, with the broken plate pieces inside. It has been an eye sore for an entire month and also a stark reminder of what happened that particular day. Angry Monk has pleaded with Sensei from time to time, to let him clean up the mess, but Sensei has always refused with a smile. This morning, after a long session of three-clap meditation, Sensei called Angry Monk in front of everyone and asked him, Angry Monk, what did you feel when you threw the plates? Angry Monk said Anger. Sensei asked, And when the plates travelled from your hand towards the hard floor of the pool, what did you feel? Angry Monk said, Anxiety. Then Sensei asked, And how did you feel when the plates broke and were smashed to pieces?” Angry Monk said, I felt release. I felt an odd joy. Sensei clapped thrice and asked Angry Monk, And today, when you see the broken pieces in the pool, what do you feel? Angry Monk had tears in his eyes and said, Regret. I feel regret. Sensei said, The debris of anger creates regret. It cannot be disposed of easily, and often stares at us for very very long. Anger is natural to all of us and can relieve us momentarily, but in the long run it will always create regret. - alok rodinhood kejriwal rodinhoodmonastery/forum/topics/dinner-plates
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 03:32:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015