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Main Index
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KOJUN WAS RECITING SUTRAS A THIEF WITH A SHARP SWORD ENTERED, DEMANDING EITHER HIS MONEY OR HIS LIFE.
SHICHIRI TOLD HIM: 'DO NOT DISTURB ME. YOU CAN FIND THE MONEY IN THAT DRAWER.' THEN HE RESUMED HIS RECITATION.
No condemnation, no judgement. Simple acceptance -- as if a breeze has come in, not a thief. Not even a slight change in his eyes -- as if a friend has come, not a thief. No change in hi. attitude. He says, 'DO NOT DISTURB ME. YOU CAN FIND THE MONEY IN THAT DRAWER. Can't you see I am reciting my sutras? At least you should he that much respectful, not to disturb a man who is reciting his sutras, for such a foolish thing as money. You go and find it yourself! And don't disturb me.'
Now see: he is not against the thief because he has come to steal. He is not against the thief because he is after money, obsessed with money -- no, nothing of the sort. A simple acceptance: this is the way he is. And who knows? this is the way he HAS to be. And why should I condemn? Who am I? If he can be kind enough not to disturb me, that is enough, that is more than enough to expect from somebody else. So don't disturb me.
A LITTLE WHILE AFTERWARDS HE STOPPED AND CALLED: 'DON'T TAKE IT ALL. I NEED SOME TO PAY TAXES WITH TOMORROW. '
See the point -- so friendly. There is no enmity in it. And because there is no enmity, there is no fear in it. Because there is no condemnation, such deep respect, he can trust that he will leave. When you are giving so wholeheartedly, you can trust -- even the worst of men will at least have respect for your respect towards him. He will respect, you can trust. When you trust somebody, when you don't judge and don't condemn, you can trust that he will trust you. He simply said:
'DON'T TAKE IT ALL. I NEED SOME TO PAY TAXES WITH TOMORROW.'
THE INTRUDER GATHERED UP MOST OF THE MONEY AND STARTED TO LEAVE. 'THANK A PERSON WHEN YOU RECEIVE A GIFT.
Now, see the compassion of the man. He does not call it theft; he says, 'Thank a man when you receive a gift.' He is transforming; his vision is totally different. He does not want this man to feel guilty; his compassion is tremendous. Otherwise later
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