One day, the great sword master Tajima-No-Kami was walking on a beautiful spring morning in his garden, completely absorbed in the contemplation of the blossoming plum trees. Behind him was a boy squire who carried his sword.
“No matter how skilled my master is in fencing,” the boy thought, “but now, when he is so keen on contemplation, it’s not worth attacking him.” Tajima turned around sharply and looked around, as if looking for someone. Seeing no one, he returned to the room. Leaning on the table, he stood motionless for some time, looking around, as if he had gone crazy. Seeing this, his servant was frightened and was even afraid to approach him.
Finally he asked the gentleman if he was healthy and if he could help him with anything. Tajima replied:
— I am quite healthy and feel good. I'm worried about one incident that I can't explain. Thanks to long-term training in fencing, I can sense the thoughts of those who stand against me or are nearby. While I was in the garden, I suddenly smelled a deadly perfume. I looked around, but except for my squire boy, there was no one nearby. I can't figure out where this smell of death comes from. I am very upset that I have become so absent-minded.
Hearing this, the squire confessed his thoughts to him and asked for forgiveness.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru