Matajura and Banzo

Untitled excerpt in the original; title supplied from its subject.

Matajura wanted to become a great swordsman, but his father said he wasn’t quick enough and could never learn. So Matajura went to the famous dueller, Banzo, and asked to become his pupil. “How long will it take me to become a master?” he asked. “Suppose I became your servant, was with you every minute; how long?”

“Ten years,” said Banzo.

“My father is getting old. Before ten years have passed, I will have to return home to take care of him. Suppose I work twice as hard; how long will it take me?”

“Thirty years,” said Banzo.

“How is that?” asked Matajura. “First you say ten years. Then when I offer to work twice as hard, you say it will take three times as long. Let me make myself clear: I will work unceasingly: No hardship will be too much. How long will it take?”

“Seventy years,” said Banzo. “A pupil in such a hurry learns slowly.”

– Zen Buddhism, edited by Peter Beilson

Excerpt submitted by Dick Detert