In the Obaku temple in Kyoto, one gets to see "The First Principle", carved on the gate. The unusually large letters would never fail to catch the admiration of people who appreciate calligraphy. The letters were drawn by Kosen two hundred years back and claims to be a masterpiece. Initially the master had drawn the letters on paper which was adapted by the workmen in a bigger version on wood.

Kosen while sketching the letters was accompanied by one of his pupils who was very bold and never spared his master unscathed of criticism. The pupil had made several gallons of ink for calligraphy.

"Thats not good" said he to Kosan at the first effort.

Kosan reworked and asked "How is this?"

The pupil commented "Worse than before!"

Kosan thus tried out eighty four times, still to be disapproved by the pupil.

Once when the pupil was out, Kosen grabbed the opportunity and wrote hurriedly with a mind that was collected and not fragmented by distractions.

The pupil said "A masterpiece"