2 The Death of a Sage


The Death of a Sage

Bankei, a famous wise sage had grown old had passed away. There was much talk of the death of Bankei around the town, many people speaking of the great loss he would be. There lived in the town a blind man who lived near the master’s temple. Talking with a friend about the death of Bankei, he told his friend the following.

“Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person’s face, so I must judge his character by the sound of his voice. Ordinarily, when I hear someone congratulate another upon his happiness or success, I also hear a secret tone of envy. 

When condolence is expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the one consoling was really glad there was something left to gain in his own world.
In all my experience, however, Bankei’s voice was always sincere. Whenever he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness, and whenever he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard.”

The greatest lesson we can learn is always ever to only say what we mean and to only ever mean what we say and say it with sincerity of heart. This way only good will ever be spoken of us. 
  

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