The Tea Master and The Ronin

The Tea Master and The Ronin

I have studied martial arts from a young age and have always been fascinated by the philosophies and wisdom of the east.

I would like to share with you an old Chinese fable which teaches us something about how we take things at face value and how our actions can be perceived by others.

A humble chado, or tea ceremony master was challenged to a duel by an unscrupulous ronin who was confident of winning with ease. The chado knew he was no match for the master-less samurai but could not refuse without loosing honour, so he prepared to die.

He therefore went to see his neighbour a Kenjutsu (sword) master, to ask how he should best prepare to die with honour. “ How honourable your intent neighbour” he says. “but before we talk of such things we must drink some tea together”

The chado set about the task of preparing the tea in his usual manner. He was clearly relishing this, probably the last, time he would be able to perform his life long art. As he became absorbed in the ceremony the sword master was greatly impressed by the serenity that this supposedly doomed man was demonstrating.

“You do not need me to teach you how to die” he said. “You have the concentration of mind to face any sword master. When you face this ronin you must greet him as if he is taking tea with you. Take off your coat and fold it neatly and calmly leaving your fan on top just as you have done with me. Then you must draw your sword and raise it above your head ready to cut your opponent in two. Concentrate on this and on this alone.”

The chado thanked the master and left. In morning he went to the appointed place and met the ronin. He followed the sword masters advice and absorbed himself with thoughts of serving the ronin his tea. When he raised the sword above his head the ronin hesitated. This was a very different man that stood before him. There was no way round this man, there was no fear, no weakness, he seemed as sure and as solid as rock.

The ronin was completely confused and demoralised by this behaviour and threw down his weapon humbly begging forgiveness for his unspeakable conduct.

Image credit- http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/ukiyo-e/images.html