True connection begins when we drop our official titles and meet as equals. When the Governor of Kyoto attempts to visit Zen master Keichu, his official calling card gets him immediately turned away at the door. Read this minimalist Zen parable to discover how scratching out a political title unlocked a profound spiritual meeting.
“Keichu, the great Zen teacher of the Meiji era, was the head of Tofuku, a cathedral in Kyoto.
One day the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first time.
His attendant presented the card of the governor, which read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto.
“I have no business with such a fellow,” said Keichu to his attendant. “Tell him to get out of here.”
The attendant carried the card back with apologies.
“That was my error,” said the governor, and with a pencil he scratched out the words Governor of Kyoto. “Ask your teacher again.”
“Oh, is that Kitagaki?” exclaimed the teacher when he saw the card. “I want to see that fellow.”
Source: http://www.101zenstories.org
Image: A postage stamp issued by Laos in 2005 shows the standing Buddha image for people born on a Monday. Courtesy https://www.buddhiststamp.com/