Amazing Story of Rinzai

It’s Thursday Tale Time (TTT 10/2024)

In one of Osho's disclosures, someone asked a question to Osho: "Why is it I only perceive evil in the world? In his reply, Osho shared the story of Rinzai.

The Zen master Rinzai lived in a tiny hut just a few miles from a village. It was a cold night and Rinzai was wrapped in blankets, gazing at the beautiful full moon, feeling pure joy and completely absorbed. Suddenly, a thief came into his hut. Rinzai saw the thief, caught him, and said, "Brother, sorry! The thief was terrified. He should beg for forgiveness. He escaped and started running. Rinzai said, stop, don't just walk away. My heart will forever carry the sorrow of your departure if you go empty-handed. I have nothing else to give, so please keep this blanket. He handed the blanket to the thief. Inside the blanket, Rinzai was completely naked - nothing else. The thief hesitated too. The thief declined to take Rinzai's blanket, leaving him exposed in the chilly night, but Rinzai insisted on taking his blanket.

Rinzai looked at the thief and said, "Thanks to you, I am now a rich man." Thieves specifically target the residences of kings and emperors. Thanks for making me feel like a king and an emperor today. Today, it appears that we are also something. My hut has also become a target for thieves.

The thief was clueless about Rinzai's behaviour. Although he had seen many people, stolen from many houses, and been caught multiple times, this man was unlike any other. He had never met such a man before. Just as he was leaving, Rinzai shouted, "Wait! At least show some gratitude and learn some manners." Please remember to close the door before you leave. When you arrived, the door was closed. You opened it, entered, and now please close the door again, say thank you, and continue with your journey.

Keep in mind that this is not how things should be done from now on. Is this any etiquette? If you had given me a heads up earlier, I could have made some arrangements. Next time you come, send a postcard a few days beforehand. I would have planned something for you in advance. You've come a long way from the village, on this cold night. I can only give you a blanket, tears in my eyes. Please don't do it. The thief quickly said thanks and shut the door. The moment Rinzai called out, he felt a strange shock in his heart, finding this man very peculiar. It is impossible to convey what he went through.

Following that, he was arrested in court for committing another theft. Moreover, the blanket was also seized. It was clear that the blanket was noticeable. That was obvious in every part of Japan. Without a doubt, everyone was aware that the blanket belonged to Rinzai. Rinzai's fame was so great that even emperors would kneel before him. Who wasn't aware of that blanket?

The blanket that emperors and thousands of people have witnessed Rinzai in, even the magistrate confirmed it as Rinzai's. He has been wearing just a loincloth for days, and finally it was discovered where his blanket went. So you didn't even leave that Rinzai. Magistrate said, I could possibly forgive your previous thefts, but this theft is unforgivable. This is just too much.

The thief insisted that he did not commit the theft and that the blanket was forcefully given to him. I had to bring a blanket to save myself. What can I tell you at this moment? Whenever I think back to the moment he said stop in his harsh voice, my chest starts to tremble. He instructed to shut the door. What an exceptional person. He has such an amazing voice. I've encountered numerous individuals, but this man stands out as truly exceptional. However, I did not take anything. The magistrate declared that if Rinzai denies your involvement in the theft, you will be set free, and your connection to the other thefts will also be forgiven. His testimony alone is satisfactory.

They called Rinzai. Rinzai denied that this man is a thief. This man is very simple. He arrived at my house without letting me know. Observe his simplicity, observe his innocence. Additionally, this man is very polite. When I told him to wait and close the door, he obeyed and closed it. He's super obedient, and when I said thanks, he thanked me back. Without any hesitation, he took action. He's super faithful. He is not the thief of this. Despite my offer, he rejected the blanket. He's a truly remarkable gentleman. Looking at me all poor and naked, he felt so much pity, his heart is full of compassion. It is not possible for him to be a thief. Upon hearing Rinzai's statement, the magistrate set him free.

When Rinzai came out, the man went after him.? "What is the intention now?" Rinzai asked. The thief stated that they were no longer coming to take, but rather coming to surrender himself. The thief further expressed that he would remain solely at your feet. The display of human dignity was evident in your presence. The moment I encountered you, my belief in God was awakened.

What is shifting in this story?

Rinzai didn't see a thief in the thief, didn't see a dishonest person, because of that the thief could see God in Rinzai too.

It's important to consider how we perceive things internally. Our perspective on life can be either optimistic or pessimistic, that is mirror to the external world. If all you see is evil, maybe we need to look within ourselves and question if we're making a mistake. Our ego is the biggest mistake. Our ego makes us see evil in others. The ego derives immense satisfaction from observing evil in others, as it reinforces the notion that I am superior, I am attractive, I am exceptional, I am knowledgeable and I am righteous. Moreover, it prompts such feeling that who could possibly be as humble and as charitable as myself.

Regards,

Bhupesh?