By Paulo Coelho
At the beginning of his struggle, the Warrior says: "I have dreams."
(Manual of the Warrior of Light)
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
By Paulo Coelho
A violent samurai warrior with a reputation for provoking fights for no reason arrived at the gates of a Zen monastery and asked to speak to the master.
Without hesitating, Ryokan went to meet him.
‘They say that intelligence is more powerful than brute force,’ said the samurai. ‘Can you explain to me what heaven and hell are?’
Ryokan said nothing.
‘You see?’ bellowed the samurai. ‘I could explain quite easily: to show someone what hell is, you just have to punch them. To show them what heaven is, you just have threaten them with terrible violence and then let them go.’
‘I don’t talk to stupid people like you,’ said the Zen master.
The blood rushed to the samurai’s head. His brain became thick with hatred.
‘That is hell,’ said Ryokan, smiling. ‘Allowing yourself to be upset by silly remarks.’
Taken aback by the monk’s courage, the samurai warrior softened.
‘And that is heaven,’ said Ryokan, inviting him in. ‘Not reacting to foolish provocations.’
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
So many times you talk about very serious issues, yet you use everyday words which are familiar to most people – to people who may not even realize their true meanings. Have you ever given any thought as to what is the secret of your literary success?
There is no such a thing as a secret to success. I try to talk directly because I believe that God talks directly to us, without using complicated words. God has sense of humor, why shouldn’t I?
