Shine Bright In Your Own Way
A Samurai, who was known for his nobility, went to visit a monk for his advice. When the monk had finished his prayers, the Samurai asked, “Why do I feel so inferior? I have faced death many times and have defended those who are weak. Nevertheless, I felt that my life was unimportant upon seeing you meditating.”
“Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you,” replied the monk.
The Samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple garden, watching the people go in and out in search of advice. He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and illuminated smile on his face. At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he requested, “Now can you explain my dilemma to me?”
The master invited him inside and led him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.
“Do you see the moon and how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire sky by daybreak, and tomorrow the sun will shine again, as always. But sunlight is much brighter and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds, etc. I have contemplated the two for years, yet have never heard the moon ask: ‘Why do I not shine like the sun?’
“Is this because the moon is inferior? Tell me, son.”
“Of course not,” answered the Samurai.
“The moon and the sun are totally different things; each one has its own beauty and role. Therefore, you cannot compare the two.”
The monk replied, “Right. So you now know the answer. Understand that we are two different people, each persevering for what we believe in and making it possible to make the world a better place - each in our own different ways.”
