One day there was an earthquake that shook the entire Zen temple. Parts of it even collapsed.
Many of the monks were terrified.
When the earthquake stopped the teacher said:
"Now you have had the opportunity to see how a Zen man behaves in a crisis situation.
You may have noticed that I did not panic. I was quite aware of what was happening and what to do. I led you all to the kitchen, the strongest part of the temple.
It was a good decision, because you see we have all survived without any injuries.
However, despite my self-control and composure, I did feel a little bit tense - which you may have deduced from the fact that I drank a large glass of water, something I never do under ordinary circumstances."
"What are you laughing at?" asked the teacher.
"That wasn't water," the monk replied, "it was a large glass of soy sauce."
It is history that the roles of the monk and teacher were immediately reversed.
Zen Principle: You do not derive power from your position, it should rather emanate from yourself and flow to the position you occupy.
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