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Lijit Search
One Hand Clapping: Eiden Pospisil |
Taken from One Hand Clapping by Rafe Martin, published by Rizzoli and used by permission. Contributed and read by Eiden Pospisil, who was born in Anchorage and is currently a freshman at West Anchorage High School. Eiden is an enthusiastic percussionist and recommends the Alaska Jazz Workshop, a non-profit organization where professional jazz musicians take time to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation. |
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I wrote to Rafe Martin, author of One Hand Clapping, as part of the Letters About Literature contest, sponsored in Alaska by Alaska Center for the Book. The book tells several Zen stories, one of which is titled "The Zen Master and the Samurai": 'Once a samurai came before Zen Master Hakuin. "You're supposed to be a great Zen master," he said. "So I want you to tell me the truth about heaven and hell. Do they really exist?" Without a moment's hesitation Hakuin responded, "What, even such an ugly and untalented man as you can become a samurai? Amazing!" Immediately, the proud samurai became angry and drew his sword. "I'll kill you!" he roared. Fearlessly Hakuin said, "This is hell." The samurai paused and grew thoughtful. His face softened from its angry scowl. Sheathing his sword he put his hands together palm to palm and bowed before Hakuin. "And this," said Hakuin, just as calmly, "is heaven."' |
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