A pupil and his master Walking along the banks of a river The master observed the fish in the water Complimented on their happy nature You're no fish to know the reality You are not me To know that I don't know Replied the master
Only possession a horse Galloped one day away and far Bad luck said the townsfolk Maybe answered this gentle soul
Horse came back Three more in tow Now you have four Nothing more to fear for Said the townsfolk Maybe replied this gentle soul
Son tried his hand Horse riding a life long fan Broke his leg after a fall Didn't have the the wherewithal Sorry about your sons fate Old enough not to play games Townsfolk gathered Time not right said it with might Maybe replied this gently
War is announced Army marches unannounced As many to fight the enemy Recruiting able boys Townspeople had no choice Broken leg declared unfit boy escapes draft Lucky you said the folks Maybe replied the farmer gently
Pupil and master Cross a river Woman drowning finding it hard to recover Master Carries her on his shoulder Leaves her on the banks of the river Walking into the forests The pupil protests Touching a woman out of order I left her at the other side of the river Why are you still carrying her Said the master
Students at a monastery Unable to gain mastery Teachers methods unsatisfactory Questioned his ability Life in 2 words asks the senior Everything changes replied the Master
King visits a Master Teach me the art of Zen Issues an order Hours later King in rage Not a word did the monk utter Teacher left his chair King said this is unfair Been here a day You had not a word to say You came here to learn zen Unfortunately you didn't pay attention