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Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2000 10:54:47 +0100
From: "Luis H. Aguilar Polo" <debruces@teleline.es>
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To: classics@u.washington.edu
Subject: Japanese tale.
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Enjoy:

Bokuden, great Sensei (Master) of the katana (sword), received one day the visit
of a colague. Having in mind to introduce his three sons to his friend and to
show him the level they had achieved following his teachings, Bokuden set up a
little stratagem: He placed a jar over the border of the sliding door in such a
way that it would fell over the head of anyone entering the room.

Placidly sitting with his friend, both looking towards the door, Bokuden called
his older son. When this one found himself in front of the sliding door, he
stopped dead. After having half-opened it, he took the jar before entering. Then
the older son entered, closed the door after him, placed the jar over the edge of
the sliding door again and greeted both Masters.

"This is my older son" said Boduken smiling, "he has already reached a good level
and is expected to become a Master".

Next he called his second son. This one slided the door and began to enter.
Avoiding by the width of a hair the jar that almost fell over his head, he
grabbed it in the air.

"This is my second son" Bokuden explained to his guest, "he has a long trek to
walk yet".

The third son came in abruptly and the jar fell heavily on his neck but before
the jar touched the floor, he draw his katana slashing the jar in two.

"And this one" Bokuden said, "is my younger son. He is the shame of the family,
but young still".

_El Blanco invisible_ (The invisible target) Pascal Faulliot, original title _Les
conts des arts martiaux_ c.1981 Editions Retz.


--

Luis

.