In the earlier days in feudal Japan there were trained persons in martial arts those were called as “Samurai”. Once there was a Japanese Samurai well trained in martial arts , he was extremely overconfident on his skill .

Once he went to a village and started shouting loudly …

“Is there anyone in the village who can fight with me …”

All the villagers were scared of him as he was martial arts trained . So, no one has the courage to even respond to this guy . But , there was a young Monk in that village,  he was trained by a Zen master .

He stood in front of the Samurai. He said “listen, we don’t want you to fight with anyone. Violence is not good. Please go back.” But the Samurai was adamant. He started threatening the villagers.

So, this Young Monk finally came to fight with the Samurai. The Entire village was cheering for this Young Monk. But, deep down, they all knew that this young Monk will not last a minute against this Samurai.

Anyways, the fight started….

The young Monk had no training in martial arts. Still, he learned his lessons well from his Zen Master.

ZEN master explained to the young Monk, “Listen, my child. When you keep your mind empty, the thoughts of other people will start reflecting in your mind.” Then, you would know what the other person is thinking. 🤔 “

” Mindful means the mind is completely empty. Awareness comes to the forefront in that emptiness. In that awareness, the thoughts of others would reflect. Then you would know what the other is thinking.”

So, when the fight started this Monk knew what action Samurai is going to do and he would respond suitably. Samurai got shocked whatever action he is doing, how does the monk  knew beforehand…nevertheless Monk won !!

Moral of the story is …

If someone’s mind is full of ego …he can never be mindful, mindfulness means mind full of awareness and empty of thoughts. !!