Noon Time Naps

By Staff

Thursday, July 23, 2009, 12:48

Soyen Shaku, the Zen master who had left behind a treasure of teachings for his followers passed from this world whn he was sixty one years old. It was customary of his pupils to sleep in the daytime during midsummer. Though the master overlooked this, he himself did not waste a single minute.

Soyen, even when he was twelve years old, was involved in the study of the philosophy of Tendai. One summer day, Soyen stretched his legs and went to sleep while his master was away. After the elapse of three hours, when he suddenly woke up, he saw his master entering. However it was too late for Soyen to gather himself up, as he lay sprawling across the doorway.

“I be your pardon, I beg your pardon," the teacher whispered, carefully stepping over Soyen's body as if it was of a distinguished guest's.

Soyen henceforth stopped taking noon time naps.