The Embodiment Of Suchness

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

Monday, October 5, 2009, 14:15

A Zen mystic woman called Rengetsu was on a pilgrimage. One night she reached a village during sunset and begged for lodging. The doors were slammed against her for the only reason that she tread the path of the revolutionary Zen, much against the set traditions. Hence she was not allowed in. Rengetsu, cold and hungry then walked the fields where she came upon a cherry tree which she made her shelter. She had a disturbed sleep due to the biting cold, while the place posed the threat of wild animals as well.

At midnight when she woke up due to the prevailing cold, she noticed beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring night, bathed in the light of the misty moon. It was a mesmerizing sight indeed !. Overcome with the beauty, she immediately got on to her feet and paid reverence in the direction of the village. She reflected : "Through their kindness in refusing me lodging I found myself beneath the blossoms on the night of this misty moon"