Four pupils used to practice meditation in the time before Zen came to Japan.
These close friends vowed to each other to observe silence for seven days.
The first day passed well.
But as the evening progressed and the oil lamps became dim, one student couldn’t help himself.
“Attend to the lamps!” he shouted impatiently to an assistant.
His friend turned to him, surprised.
“You are not supposed to speak! Have you forgotten?”
The third friend piped up, “You fools! Why are you talking?”
“Hah, I’m the only one who’s kept silent!” exclaimed the last.
Before judging others, pause for a moment and ask – how perfect am I?
