Another Zen parable

A traveler finds himself lost, wandering in the forest for many days. Finally he comes upon a grass hut, the home of a lonely hermit.

Exhausted and starving, the traveler remembers hearing stories of the ornery and aggressive hermit he must not confront-or die.

If the traveler threatens the hermit with his machete and demands food, the hermit will probably resist, go for his own weapon, and a fight will ensure.

The traveler could end up murdering the hermit. He could be killed or wounded himself. At the very least he would be burdened with some seriously bad karma for the rest of eternity. So what does he do?

The traveler walked up to the grass hut, and knocked. When the hermit opened the door, the traveler greeted him with a friendly “Hello”, handed the hermit his machete, blade last, and asked “Can I trade you my machete for some food?”

Shocked, the hermit took the machete.

“I’m very hungry.” the traveler said. Feeling safe with the traveler’s machete in his own hands, the hermit invited the traveler in and a meal was prepared.

And after they ate, the hermit handed the traveler his machete, pointed him in the direction of the nearest village, and sent him on his way.

By empowering the hermit, the traveler got what he wanted. And by empowering others, you can too!

 Expanding our perspective to the perspective of the other persn can only benefit both of us!

And, maybe, this is what is meant by “blessed are the meek”!