self control

[Guest guest]

One day there was an earthquake that shook the entire Zen temple.

Parts of

it even collapsed. Many of the monks were terrified. When the

earthquake

stopped the teacher said, " Now you have had the opportunity to see

how a

Zen man behaves in a crisis situation. You may have noticed that I

did not

panic. I was quite aware of what was happening and what to do. I led

you all

to the kitchen, the strongest part of the temple. It was a good

decision,

because you see we have all survived without any injuries. However,

despite

my self-control and composure, I did feel a little bit tense - which

you may

have deduced from the fact that I drank a large glass of water,

something I

never do under ordinary circumstances. "

One of the monks smiled, but didn't say anything.

" What are you laughing at? " asked the teacher.

" That wasn't water, " the monk replied, " it was a large glass of soy

sauce. "