The Great Teacher Nan-In was on his deathbed. There were many incidents, anecdotes, and stories in the life of this extraordinary man.
And so, dying, he said to his disciples:
“I don’t want you to mourn my death, because it’s not death at all.” Keep in mind that when you shed tears, I will be watching you from the other “shore” and laughing. I want you to dance, sing and have fun. I'm leaving because it's time. My body became a source of anxiety rather than comfort. This is my will. Don’t wash my body, I’ve already done it myself. And don’t change your clothes, I’ve already dressed everything I need.
Having said this, he lay down on the funeral bier and died.
But people are people. Of course, when such a person leaves, an irreparable void remains. They cried and were sad, but not for long.
When the Master's body was laid on the funeral pyre, everyone began to laugh against their will, although there were tears in their eyes. It was a strange situation. The teacher hid a lot of different things in his clothes: firecrackers and small bombs! In Japan they are made with great skill. People laughed and cried. Bombs exploded, firecrackers clapped and jumped. It was very bright and colorful! And that's not all; at one moment all the people turned their gaze to the sky. On its blue background, the smoke emanating from the fire formed several hieroglyphs meaning: “Be careful!” The disciples stared at the sky, completely forgetting about the funeral. This is exactly what the Teacher most often repeated to them during his lifetime! This meant that he did not leave them even after his death and continued to do what he devoted his whole life to.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru