Friday, 12 October 2012

Zen stories-The Teacher

Zen teacher had a lot of disciples.One of them had the habit of stealing.Even when the teacher knew it,he never made a point at him.Instead always kept on teaching generally why stealing was bad.This gave the student a fillip that he wont be punished for what he is doing and hence could continue stealing.The other students always complained about him and wanted him out of the school.
The first time they complained and the teacher didnt take any action,they kept quiet for not wanting to go against the teacher.
They complained second time.Yet there was no action from the teacher.
This kept going on.One day all the students discussed and told the teacher,"Sir,we are going to leave the school if no action is taken on the thief student."
The thief student who had overheard students' discussions,stood in a corner near the teacher's room and wanted to know what would happen thereafter.
Teacher said,"It is your choice.Even if all of you decide to leave the school,i wont suspend him."
Students asked unanimously,"What is so special about him?"
Teacher said,"See children,you are all wise.He is not.Since you are wise,you know all the good things.Since he is not,he is not aware of it and hasn't realized that stealing is bad.If wise children like you decide to get education in other schools,you will be welcomed with open arms.But if i suspend him on the basis of simple thing as bad habit of stealing instead of rectifying it,his life will be ruined forever.He wont be given chance in any other school.Instead of suspending him,I am trying to make him realize that what he is doing is bad things.That is my duty as a teacher."
The theif student started crying as soon as he heard this.He ran to the teacher and asked for forgiveness.Thereafter he vowed never to steal again and became a good student.

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