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5. The Resemblance of
the Zen Monk to the Samurai.
Let us point out in brief the
similarities between Zen and Japanese chivalry. First, both the Samurai and the
Zen monk have to undergo a strict discipline and endure privation without
complaint. Even such a prominent teacher as Ei-sai, for example, lived
contentedly in such needy circumstances that on one occasion1 he and
his disciples had nothing to eat for several days. Fortunately, they were
requested by a believer to recite the Scriptures, and presented with two rolls
of silk. The hungry young monks, whose mouths watered already at the
expectation of a long-looked-for dinner, were disappointed when that silk was
given to a poor man, who called on Ei-sai to obtain some help. Fast continued
for a whole week, when another poor follow came in and asked Ei-sai to give
something. At this time, having nothing to show his substantial mark of
sympathy towards the poor, Ei-sai tore off the gilt glory of the image of
Buddha Bheçajya and gave it. The young monks, bitten both by hunger and by
anger at this outrageous act to the object of worship, questioned Ei-sai by way
of reproach: "Is it, sir, right for us Buddhists to demolish the image of
a Buddha?" "Well," replied Ei-sai promptly, "Buddha would
give even his own life for the sake of suffering people. How could he be
reluctant to give his halo?" This anecdote clearly shows us self-sacrifice
is of first importance in the Zen discipline.
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