The True Miracle Bankei

Chan Master Bankei (Japanese: Bankei Yōtaku 盤珪永琢) taught at Ryūmon Temple.

One day, a Shinshū priest appeared, who believed that salvation came through endlessly repeating the name of Buddha.

He envied Bankei for his large audience and sought to argue with him.

While Bankei was speaking,

the priest interrupted him and began to boast loudly.

“The founder of our school,” he said,

"possessed such powers that he could write the entire name of Amida from one riverbank to the other with a brush— and his servant held the paper there.

Can you perform such a miracle?"

Unrest arose in the hall.

Bankei looked calmly at the man and said gently:

"Your teacher may be able to perform such feats.

But that is not the way of Chan."

He paused for a moment.

Then he said:

"My miracle is simple.

When I am hungry, I eat.

When I am thirsty, I drink."

Silence returned.