Always Be Silent in Five Situation — Powerful Zen Story
Once upon a time, in a small village, nestled amidst lush green mountains, there lived a young man named Ryu. Ryu was a curious and intelligent soul, always seeking wisdom and searching for the deeper meaning of life. He had heard stories of Zen masters and their profound teachings, and he yearned to find a true master who could guide him on his spiritual journey.
One day, Ryu set out on a pilgrimage to a renowned Zen monastery located on the outskirts of the village. The monastery was known for its serene beauty and the wisdom of its resident master, master Hakwen. Ryu had heard tales of Master Hakwen’s ability to illuminate the path of truth, and he hoped to find answers to his burning questions. As Ryu arrived at the monastery gates, he was greeted by a monk who led him to the meditation hall. The halls filled with practitioners, each absorbed in their own silent contemplation. Ryu took a seat and joined them, trying to quiet his restless mind.
Tays turned into weeks, and Ryu diligently practised meditation under the guidance of master Hakwen. The master’s presence emanated a sense of tranquillity and wisdom, and Ryu felt drawn to him. He observed how Master Hakwen moved with grace and spoke with profound simplicity. One evening, after a long day of meditation, Ryu must have the courage to approach the master. Master Hakwen, said, I have been searching for the deeper meaning of life.
Can you guide me?
Master Hakwen looked at Ryu, his eyes filled with compassion. Dear Ryu, the deeper meaning of life lies not in seeking answers, but in realizing the truth within yourself. Words can only point to the truth. It is through silence that you will discover it.
Ryu modded their understanding of the master’s words. From that moment on, he resolved to practice the art of silence and observe its transformative power. Days turned into months, and Ryu continued to diligently practice meditation and embrace silence. Master Hakwen would often share Zen stories, each carrying a profound teaching. One sub-story was about the importance of silence in five specific situations. Ryu, the master began.
There are five situations where one must always remain silent.
The first is when you are in the presence of someone who speaks harshly or insults you. By remaining silent, you can shield yourself from the negative energy and avoid perpetuating the cycle of anger and resentment.
The second situation is when you are engulfed by gossip and rumours. By choosing silence, you refrain from participating in the spreading of falsehoods and contribute to the peace and harmony of those around you.
The third situation is when you are tempted to speak ill of others. By staying silent, you preserve your own integrity and prevent harm from befalling both yourself and those you speak about.
The fourth situation is when you find yourself engaged in meaningless arguments or debates. By maintaining silence, you recognize the futility of such exchanges and conserve your energy for pursuits that truly matter.
And finally, the fifth situation is when you experience a profound and awe-inspiring moment. By embracing silence, you allow the beauty and depth of the experience to permit your being, transcending the limitations of language.
Ryu listened intently to the master’s words, absorbing the essence of each situation. He realized that true wisdom lay not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in the ability to discern when silence was the most powerful response. Years passed and Ryu’s understanding deepened. He became known as a wise and compassionate soul, always ready to lend an ear and offer solace through his presence. People sought his counsel and he would often share the teachings of master Hakuin, emphasizing the importance of silence in those who are not alone.
Ryu’s reputation spread far and wide, reaching the ears of a powerful and arrogant warlord. Intreated by Ryu’s wisdom, the warlord summoned him to his palace. As Ryu entered the opulent hall, he noticed the warlord seated on a grand throne, exuding an air of superiority. The warlord smirked and said, I have heard tales of your wisdom Ryu. Tell me, what is the secret to living a fulfilled life? Ryu paused for a moment, then bowed respectfully to the warlord.
He replied your excellency, the secret lies in silence. The warlord sneered, thinking Ryu was mocking him.
Silence?
Is that all you have to offer?
Ryu remained composed and continued. Your Excellency, there are five situations in life where silence holds great power. When faced with harsh words or insults, silence can shield you from anger. When confronted with gossip and rumours, silence contributes to peace. When tempted to speak ill of others, silence preserves integrity. When engaged in meaningless arguments, silence reveals the futility. And when in awe-inspiring moments, silence allows us to transcend. The warlord grew silent, contemplating Ryu’s words. The wisdom of the five situations resonated deep within him, and he realized the power of silence to transform his own life and the lives of those around him. From that day forward, the warlord adopted the practice of silence and used his power and influence to foster peace and prosperity.
The village flourished under his just rule, and Ryu’s teachings spread even further, touching the lives of countless souls. And so, Ryu’s journey, guided by the teachings of Master Hakwin, unfolded into a tapestry of wisdom and compassion. He came to understand that silence was not a mere absence of words, but a profound presence that allowed truth to emerge. The five situations taught him the art of mindful speech and the importance of restraint, leading him to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings.
In this lens story, the wisdom of silence reminds us that true understanding lies not in the words we speak, but in the moments of stillness we embrace. The power of silence is accessible to all, guiding us towards a life of compassion, peace and enlightenment.
