Zen Master Hakuin's Equanimity

The Zen Master Hakuin (1686-1769) travelled extensively to learn from other masters. When he was 32 years old, he returned to the Shoin-ji, the temple in his home town of Hara, in present-day Shizuoka Prefecture. Here he devoted himself to teaching a growing number of disciples. Hakuin was praised by his neighbors as a teacher living an exemplary life.

A beautiful Japanese girl whose parents owned a food store lived near him. One day without warning, her parents discovered that she was pregnant.

This made her parents angry. The girl would not confess who the man was, but after much harassment, she named Hakuin as the father.

In great anger the parents went to the Zen Master and scolded him in front of all his students. All Hakuin would say was “Is that so?”

After the baby boy was born, it was entrusted to Hakuin's care. By this time he had lost his reputation. His disciples have left him. However Hakuin was not disturbed, and enjoyed taking care of the little boy. He obtained milk and other essentials the boy needed from his neighbors.

A year later, the girl-mother couldn't stand it any longer. She confessed the truth to her parents— that the real father of the boy was not Hakuin but a young man working in the local fishmarket.

The father and mother of the girl went to Hakuin at once. They asked his forgiveness and apologized profusely to get the boy back.

Although Hakuin loved the child as his own, he was willing. In giving up the boy, all he said was: “Is that so?”

— Edited from Paul Reps, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957), p. 22

Where would we be if we falsely being accused for things we did not do?

Wouldn't we fight until the last blood for our justice?

But Master Hakuin is different...

He understand that the baby is innocent.

He knows that things happened because of causes and conditions..

He also knows that things end because of causes and conditions...

He practices the Paramitas of Patience so well...that he does not affected by the external tests and criticisms even though he was being framed by other people..

His story really touches me..

I have to admit that I nearly cried from my heart when Reverend Tong Ming was telling this story during the Annual Camp 2010 which has just passed.

This story would be my inspiration whenever I meet any problems like this.

I am still learning and there still a long Way to go...

But I chose to walk step by step...

Deep in my heart,

I am very grateful to have the opportunities to learn the Dhamma.

It helps me to realize the meaning of a true life.

May all beings and non beings,

May all that I known and haven't known,

May all that I can see and can't see,

May all that I can hear and can't hear,

May all in this infinite universe,

MAY YOU ALL BE CHERISH IN THE JOY OF DHAMMA...