THE STORY GOES

This story is taken from the book, "Living the Martial Way" by Forrest Morgan, Maj., USAF Copyright 1992. Pages274-276

There is an old story often told in traditional , . training halls about a confrontation between a master of the Japanese tea ceremony and a ronin, a rogue samurai. It seems the ronin was passing through the village and while in the crowded square, turned abruptly; banging his scabbard against the tea master's hip.
    "You banged my sword, the ronin said 'coldly.
"That is a grave insult, and I will kill you for it."

    The tea master knew immediately the ronin really meant to kill him, and he was gripped with fear. "I meant you no insult, Noble Sir. Please ' excuse my clumsiness and let me live. As you can see, I'm not a warrior and have no sword." ,

The ronin could smell the man's fear, and it excited him. "Then get a sword and meet me on the road tomorrow at noon. There, I'll let you die like a man. But if you don't show up, I'll find you wherever you are and cut you down like a dog." He turned his back on the stunned tea master and walked away.

    The tea master was beside himself with fear. What can I do, he thought. I'm a dead man. Then he remembered hearing that another ronin, a famous master swordsman, was also in the village. Perhaps he will help me, he thought. So he sought out the swordsman and told him his story. He explained that he had money to pay for his services and offered to hire him for protection.

    "I don't hire to commoners", the swordsman said coolly. "Use your money to buy a sword and fight your own battles."

"Then will you teach me swordsmanship? I can pay you handsomely.

" I don't teach martial arts to commoners, either.Besides, what do you think you can learn in a day?", the swordsman asked.

"What have I to lose?

" Indeed, thought the swordsman. Even though the man was a commoner, the samurai realized he was an innocent victim needing help. He finally agreed to teach the tea master what little swordsmanship he could in a day. The tea master bought a sword, and the two men began their practice that afternoon. But alas, the tea master struggled through hundreds of awkward practIce cuts, he shook his head and sighed.

 "Tomorrow, you are going to die," the swords- man said with calm conviction;  The tea master was crushed. He was physically and emotionally exhausted., He dropped his sword to his side and stood there staring at the ground, shoulders sagging and sword hanging loosely from his hand. The samurai pondered him f9r a moment then said, "Let's have tea." The tea master looked up in puzzlement, but carefully sheathed his sword and began unpacking his tea set

The two men settled beneath a tree, and the tea master gracefully poured water into the bowl con- , stirring the bitter, green powder. As he artfully whisked the mixture into a frothy brew, the swordsman saw a remarkable transformation occur. Gone was the tired, broken man who stood before him only moments ago. Now the tea master's back was straight, his shoulders square, and his head erect.
Before the swordsman now sat the solemn, dignified master of an ancient ritual. The master poured ,the tea into a cup and, turning it in the ritual manner, offered it to the swordsman. His face was the picture of calmness, and looking into his eyes, the swordsman knew immediately the man was in mushin."Stop!", the swordsman said finally. "Do you want to kill your enemy tomorrow?"

"You said I am going to die."

"You are, but do you want to die like a warrior?
Do you want to kill you enemy?"

"Yes," the tea master said calmly.

"Then do what you are doing right now.

'Exactly! Your mind is empty. You neither desire life nor fear death. Tomorrow when you meet your enemy, I want you to empty your mind as you have now and raise your sword above your head. When .
he attacks, do nothing but cut and die.

" The tea master, being a master, understood.

The next day the ronin was surprised to find the tea master standing in the road, waiting for him.
When he approached and the man raised the sword above his head, the ronin chuckled to himself. But as he got closer, he began to feel uneasy. He expected to see the man shaking in fear, but the tea master's sword was still, and his face was grimly calm. He stopped a few paces away and searched the tea master's eyes. He saw nothing...only death.

The ronin's mouth went dry. After a moment he said, "I cannot defeat you." He turned and walked away.

This story holds more than what is written in' black and white. Apply what you can and learn.