While Seisetsu was the master of Engaku in Kamakura, he required larger quarters, since those in which he was teaching were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold called Ryo toward the construction of a more commodious school. This money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: “All right. I will take it.”
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the attitude of the teacher. One might live a whole year on three Ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
“In that sack are five hundred Ryo,” hinted Umezu.
“You told me that before,” replied Seisetsu.
“Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred Ryo is a lot of money,” said Umezu.
“Do you want me to thank you for it?” asked Seisetsu.
“You ought to,” replied Uzemu.
“Why should I?” inquired Seisetsu. “The giver should be thankful.”
CourtesyL Zen koans at https://ashidakim.com
Seisetsu Shucho (1745–1820) was the head monk and master of Engaku-ji, one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan situated in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture to the south of Tokyo. He is credited with restoring the temple and reviving Zen training during the Edo period.