Master Bankei's conversations were attended not only by Zen students, but also by persons of all ranks and different sects. He never quoted sutras or entered into scholastic discussions. But the words went straight from his heart to the hearts of his listeners.
His crowded meetings greatly irritated the priest of the Nichiren sect, whose followers also went to hear about Zen. A proud priest came to the temple, deciding to argue with Bankei.
- Hey, Zen teacher! - he called, - wait a minute. Anyone who respects you will obey your words, but if a person like me doesn't respect you, can you make him obey?
“Come to me and I will show it,” Bankei said. The priest began to proudly push aside the crowd, making his way to the teacher.
Bankei smiled:
- Stand to my left.
The priest obeyed.
“No,” said Bankei, “it will be better to talk if you stand on the right.” Come here.
The priest proudly walked to the right.
“You see,” Bankei remarked, “you listen to me, and I think that you are a very kind person.” Now sit down and listen.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru