My Favorite Zen Story

Daito Kokushi was so-called because he became the Emperor’s teacher (Kokushi). First he went thru some unusual adventures. Tired of the mundane administration of a Temple, he left and became a beggar under a famous bridge in Kyoto. Living that precarious life he concentrated on his own spiritual development (there are hints of Taoism in the methods he used). The Emperor wanted Daito Sama to preach at Court, so he could benefit. Hearing that Daito was living under a bridge in Kyoto, following the life of a beggar, he devised a scheme. It was known that the so-called ‘beggar’ loved the sweet melons of Japan (like our watermelons), so he sent a messenger to find out which of the beggars was Daito and implore him to come to the Court and teach the Emperor. The courier went to the bridge and, addressing all the beggars, said: “I have a piece of melon to give the one who can come and get it without using his feet.” Back came a voice, clearly answering, with: “I’ll come and get it without using my feet if you offer it without using your hands!” Exposed!! The teacher had been found. Daito was persuaded to move to the palace, and, later he was instrumental in founding the great Temple, Daitokuji, named after him (I have sat Zen meditation there in the Kita no ho section of Kyoto).

I love this story—it brings tears to my eyes, and, for that reason, I share it with you. There is no moral in presenting it, though you can determine for yourselves what meaning, if any, the story offers.