Remember that trust in the Master in any situation and at any moment can be used for your awakening. Don't defend yourself. Take a risk, be vulnerable, give in, trust the Master.
The Japanese Ekido Master was a harsh teacher and his students feared him. One day a student was striking the clock on the castle bell. Suddenly he missed a shot - he was staring at a beautiful girl entering the gate. The student forgot himself. He was no longer present here. He became a desire, he followed a girl, he fell into a dream. At that moment, the Master, who was standing behind him, hit him hard on the head with his staff. So hard that he fell and died.
There was one ancient tradition in Japan - a student came to the Master and said:
“My life and death belong to you.” If you want to kill me, you can do it.
And he signed it, confirming it in writing.
Despite this tradition, people began to condemn Ekido. Nevertheless, the Ekido school became one of the most significant in Japan. Ten of his students achieved enlightenment, a rare number.
Even after the death of this student, Ekido continued as if nothing had happened. If anyone asked about the student, he laughed. He never said he was wrong, it was just an accident, he laughed. Why? Because that's a different story. This student has achieved something. His body fell, but he became alert. His desire disappeared, his dream disappeared, everything collapsed with his body, disintegrated. In this vigilance he died.
And if you can enjoy vigilance and death, you will become enlightened. Ekido took advantage of the moment of death perfectly, and the student realized. Ekido was a great artist, a great Master.
Looking at this story, you might think that the Master killed his disciple. But that's not what happened. The student was going to die anyway, and the Master knew it. It is not said in the story, it cannot be proven, but it is so. On the other hand, the Master does not have to stand behind the student while he hits the gong - this is a common thing, a daily ritual. Doesn't Ekido have more important things to do? There was nothing more important at that moment. Even the death of a student had to be used.
But this is a delicate point. I could not defend Ekido in court on this issue. The Master looks deep into you, he knows the exact moment of your death. And if you are in a state of surrender, death can be used.
Whenever I read this story, I always wondered why only 10 disciples became enlightened - this man could have done more. The other students defended themselves. By defending yourself, you miss. Be safe around the Master because he is your protection. Be insecure. Masters are only interested in your enlightenment. But so much preparedness is needed. Willingness and surrender are required.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru