I’M ALRIGHT SO FAR!!

Once there was a great king who asked his magician to find him a courageous man for a dangerous mission. After a long search, the magician brought four men before his master. The king, wishing to choose the most courageous of the four, asked the magician to arrange a test.

The king, the magician and the four men went to the edge of a large field, on the other side of which stood a barn. The magician gave instructions: “Each man shall have his turn. He is to walk to the barn and bring forth what is there inside.”

The first man walked across the field. Suddenly a storm came up: lightning flashed, thunder rolled, the ground shook. The man hesitated. He was frightened. As the storm increased, he fell down in fear.

The second man walked across the field. The storm grew worse, until it was a tempest. The second man passed the first man, but finally he also fell down.

The third man started with a rush, and passed the other two. But the heavens opened, the ground split, and the barn itself waved and cracked. The third man fell down.

The fourth started slowly. He felt his footing. His face was white with fear. But he was more afraid of being thought afraid than of anything else. Slowly he passed the first man, and he said, to himself, “I’m alright — so far.” Foot by foot he went on until he had passed the second man, and again he said to himself, “So far I’m alright.” Little by little he closed the gap between him and the third man, while the storm got worse. When he passed the third frightened man he said to himself, “So far I’m alright. Nothing has happened to me. I can go a little farther.” So little by little, an inch at a time now, he went towards the barn. He got there at last, and just before he touched the latch he said, “So far I’m alright. I can go a little farther.” Then he put his hand on the latch.

Instantly the storm ceased, the ground was steady, and the sun shone. The man was astonished.

From inside the barn came a munching sound. For a moment he thought it might be a trick. Then he thought, “I’m still alright,” and opened the door. Inside he found a white horse eating oats. Nearby was a suit of white armour. The man put it on, saddled the horse, rode out to the king and the magician, and said, “I am ready, Sire.”

“How do you feel?” asked the king.

“I’m alright so far,” the man said.

Osho – Divine Melody

Perspective

Rabbi Isadore was a wise teacher. 
A student asked, "How is one to know the precise time when night ends and day begins?" 
One student volunteered, "It is when one can distinguish between a dog and a sheep in the far distance, that is when day begins." 
Another said, "It is when you can tell the difference between a fig tree and a date tree, then night is fully gone." 
"No, it is neither of those things," said the Rabbi. "It is when you can see your brother or sister in the face of a stranger. Until then, night is still with us."

Worthy Successor

The Zen master Mu-nan had only one successor. His name was Shoju. 
After Shoju had completed his study of Zen, Mu-nan called him into his room. "I am getting old," he said, "and as far as I know, Shoju, you are the only one who will carry on this teaching. 

Here is a book. It has been passed down from master to master for seven generations. I have also added many points according to my understanding. The book is very valuable, and I am giving it to you to represent your successor-ship."

"If the book is such an important thing, you had better keep it," Shoju replied. "I received your Zen without writing and am satisfied with it as it is."

"I know that," said Mu-nan. "Even so, this work has been carried from master to master for seven generations, so you may keep it as a symbol of having received the teaching. Here."
They happened to be talking before a brazier.
The instant Shoju felt the book in his hands he thrust it into the flaming coals. He had no lust for possessions.
Mu-nan, who never had been angry before, yelled: "What are you doing!" Shoju shouted back: "What are you saying!"

Prayer

A farmer requested a Tendai priest to recite sutras for his wife, who had died. After the recitation was over the farmer asked: "Do you think my wife will gain merit from this?"
"Not only your wife, but all sentient beings will benefit from the recitation of sutras," answered the priest.
"If you say all sentient beings will benefit," said the farmer, "my wife may be very weak and others will take advantage of her, getting the benefit she should have. So please recite sutras just for her."
The priest explained that it was the desire of the farmer to offer blessings and wish merit for every living being.
"That is a fine teaching," concluded the farmer, "but please make one exception. I have a neighbor who is rough and mean to me. Just exclude him from all those sentient beings."