Food With Work

By Staff

Monday, March 2, 2009, 17:42

Hyakujo, a Zen master was industrious even at the age of eighty. Though old age had descended on him at the fullest, the master laboured, trimming gardens, cleaning grounds and pruning trees.

The pupils of Hyakujo felt sorry for the master but knew that he would not pay heed to their words. Hence they hit upon a plan to put an end to the master's labour. They hid his tools for a toil free life. The master did not eat that day and his abstinence to food continued for the next two days as well. The panic stricken pupils did not have any other go other than to replace his tools. Hyakujo resumed his work and broke his fast that day.

The master instructed that evening "No work, no food ! "