The Transient Guest

By Staff

Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 12:43

Tosui, a Zen master quit the norms of a formal religion and lived amidst beggars under a bridge. When Tosui got very old, a friend taught him to manufacture vinegar from rice to making his living. Tosui followed this until his death.

Once while Tosui was making vinegar one of his beggar friends gave him a picture of Buddha. Surprisingly Tosui who was free of the bindings of religion as well accepted the picture. He hung it on the wall of his hut and put a sign beside it which read : "Mr. Amida Buddha: Since this room is narrow, I can only let you remain as a transient, a temporary guest. Do not mistake that I am asking you to be reborn in your paradise !".