A Samurai who was known for his nobility and honesty, went to visit a Zen monk to ask him 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, have defended those who are weak.<>
“Nevertheless, upon seeing you meditating, I felt that my life had absolutely no importance whatsoever.<>
– Wait. Once I have attended to all those who come to see me today, I shall answer you.<>
The samurai spent the whole day sitting in the temple gardens, watching the people go in and out in search of advice.<>
He saw how the monk received them all with the same patience and the same illuminated smile on his face.<>
At nightfall, when everyone had gone, he demanded:<>
– Now can you teach me?<>
The master invited him in and lead him to his room. The full moon shone in the sky, and the atmosphere was one of profound tranquility.<>
– Do you see the moon, how beautiful it is? It will cross the entire firmament, and tomorrow the sun will shine once again.<>
“But sunlight is much brighter, and can show the details of the landscape around us: trees, mountains, clouds.<>
“I have contemplated the two for years, and have never heard the moon say: why do I not shine like the sun? Is it because I am inferior?<>
– Of course not – answered the samurai. – The moon and the sun are different things, each has its own beauty. You cannot compare the two.<>
– So you know the answer. We are two different people, each fighting in his own way for that which he believes, and making it possible to make the world a better place; the rest are mere appearances.<>
