When Master Bankei died, a blind man who lived near the temple told his friend:
“Because I am blind, I cannot observe a person’s face, so I judge him by the sound of his voice.” Usually when I hear someone congratulating another on their success or happiness, I also hear the secret voice of envy. When condolences are expressed about the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the person condoling is actually pleased, as if in his own world he is winning. However, despite all my experience, I heard only sincerity in Bankei's voice. When he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness in his voice; when he expressed sadness, the only thing I heard was sadness.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru