A Story to share

A Lesson in Reaction
(Text-type - Narrative: Moral Tale)

Today's entry is to share with everyone a tale I enjoyed reading. I hope that some of you will find value in the message it brings across.

The Samurai's Tale

Once a samurai lent some money to a poor fisherman who promised to pay him back after a particular period. So when the time was up, the samurai went to the fisherman's house to claim his loan.

Unfortunately, times were bad, and the fisherman was not able to pay what he had owed. In anger, the samurai was ready to strike at the helpless fisherman for not keeping to his promise. The sword he held in his hand drew very close to his debtor's head.

"Please. Wait a minute. I have been learning martial arts too. My master told me that a true warrior will never kill in anger." The fisherman said boldly.

At that, the samurai hesitated. He stared at the face of the fisherman for a moment, and slowly lowered his weapon.

"Your teacher is wise. My master used to tell me the same thing. And I have forgotten. Ok..I will give you a year to repay your debt. But if you fail then, I will not think twice about killing you." With that, the samurai left.

The samurai then went home, thoughtful. He arrived home, quietly, late at night. To his surprise, he saw his wife asleep in bed. Beside her, was a stranger, dressed in samurai clothing. Jealously and anger overwhelmed him, for he thought his beautiful wife had betrayed him. He was ready to punish her, and the stranger.

But as he was about to slay them, the words of the fisherman, came back to him. "A true warrior will never kill in anger." Trembling, he lay down his sword, and deliberately made a loud noise.

His wife woke up immediately, startled. And so did the 'stranger', who turned out to be his mother, who had worn his clothes.

"What is the meaning of this?" he yelled. "I nearly killed both of you."

"We were afraid of robbers while you were away. So I asked Mother to impersonate you so that we will not be disturbed." she explained.

A year later, the samurai went to find the fisherman. This time, the fisherman was ready. His fortunes had improved, and he was able to put aside the money, including the interest.

"You are an honourable man. You keep the money. The truth is, you have repaid your debt to me, long ago." said the samurai, and with that, he left.


Hmmm....a simple, yet wise tale people.
Someone once said," Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."

How true.
Anger is such a powerful emotion that can destroy if it is not channeled properly.
Anger hurts others, and very other, the person who lashes out at others, bears the consequences of his own outburst, and in return, gets hurt the most.