A long time ago…
Iemitsu the third Tokugawa Shogun was given a tiger by the King of Korea. He had the tiger in a cage in the Edo-jo, and one day invited all the Daimyo to come and see this beautiful animal.
The Lords were all sitting and admiring the tiger as it paced back and forth, tiger fashion, in its cage, when Iemitsu turned to Lord Yagyu and said:
- Yagyu domo, you are considered one of the foremost Bushi in the land, do you think you could conquer this powerful beast without a weapon, just using your ki?
Lord Yagyu without a moment’s hesistation said, – Hai!
- Yagyu domo, please show us! – said Iemitsu.
Lord Yagyu got up and walked to the cage and had the keeper open the door. He strode into the cage, and the tiger growled at him. Lord Yagyu reached into his obi and took out his fan. He pointed the fan at the tiger and let forth with a powerful KIAI. The tiger cowered in the corner in fright. All the Daimyo murmured their approval of such a bold demonstration of ki. But in the back of the room someone was laughing.
Iemitsu, turned in anger and demanded, – Who is laughing back there?
- It is only me my Lord, Takuan – said an elderly monk from the back of the room.
- Oh, I didn’t see you back there, your Grace – said the Shogun. – Please explain why you were laughing at Yagyu domo’s demonstration of ki?
- Oh, that was nothing special – said Takuan. – Real ki is much different.
- Perhaps, the Abbot would show us ‘real ki’ – challenged Lord Yagyu.
- Well it’s nothing special, and I’m sure the Lords would be bored – replied Takuan.
- No, I think Yagyu domo is right. It would be very interesting to see – added the Shogun.
- All right, if you insist – said Takuan. With that the old monk wobbled up to the cage and went in. The tiger somewhat nervous at this new visitor was still in the corner. Takuan went right over to the tiger saying – Here Kitty, nice Kitty. Soon Takuan was scratching the tiger behind the ears and petting the tiger on the back. The tiger was soon rolling over on its back and purring. Takuan came out of the cage leaving the tiger in a much better mood.
Takuan told the Shogun and the Lords, – Ki is not something to use to overpower others, but something to use to be as one with the universe.
The Daimyo all went home that day with the impression that they had learned something precious.
But all that happened a long time ago…
