The Truth Dawned

Once there lived a great Zen teacher named Ryokan.

One day Ryokan was visited by his sister-in-law, Saki. Saki told Ryokan about her son Yuki. She was greatly troubled by Yuki's ways and related, "Ryokan, Yuki's life is out if gear. He has been neglecting the estate and does no work. He has been squandering money in parties, outings, wine ....I am afraid if he does not abandons his ways we will be soon ruined. I have tried my best to make him understand, but he has become tough and is unwilling to change for good". Saying this Saki began weeping helplessly. 

Ryokan pacified Saki. He assured her that he would visit her house and meet Yuki. Suki left and after some days, Ryokan visited Saki's home.

Yuki was pleased to see his uncle Ryokan. He greeted him well and talked about olden days when they had spend time together before Ryokan became a Zen teacher at the monastery.

Yuki understood the reason behind his uncle's sudden visit. He was acertain that his uncle would scold him for his bad ways. But they spend the day together. They walked together through the vast estates, watched the horses, ate and talked. In fact, Ryokan said nothing rebuking to Yuki.

Next morning, when Ryokan was set to began his journey back to monastery, he called Yukk and said, "Yuki my son, I'll  be greatful if you would help in tying the thongs of my sandals. I  have been trying do it, but I am old and my hands shake. I am unable to do it son".

Yuki loved and respected Ryokan. He helped Ryokan in knotting the laces.

Ryokan thanked Yuki. He moved his hand blessingly over Yuki's head as he sat besides him and said, "Yuki, thank you. I am now old. Each day I become older and feebler. In fact it happens to all of us. Don't you remember how robust this old man once used to be ?"

Yuki smiled thoughtfully. In fact, he absorbed the message Ryokan had passed to him in few words. He was enlightened. He realised how hard it was for her widowed mother to manage   estate, home and take care of family in her olden days. Yuki understood it was time for him to take over the role and responsibilities of his mother dutifully. It was his turn to look after his mother, estate and take things ahead.

Ryokan left for monastary. Yuki transformed and gave up the dissolute life forever. He managed the estate well and took care of his mother. He often visited Ryokan at the monastary to pay homage to him out if his love and respect for him.