The Lesson of the Samurai
A long time ago, a humble farmer lived in a small village at the foot of the mountains. He was a hardworking man, but for years he had been tormented by one problem: his neighbor. The neighbor was grumpy, rude, and seemed to take pleasure in making the farmer’s life miserable. The farmer’s hatred grew until one day he couldn’t bear it anymore. He took a beautiful gift a basket of rice, sweet cookies, and a small bottle of sake and went to the lord of the region, a respected samurai known for his wisdom and his sharp sword.
Bowing deeply, the farmer presented his gift. "Lord," he said, "I have brought this as a token of gratitude for your protection.But… I also have a request. Could you do something for me?"
The samurai nodded. "Speak. If I can help, I will."
Hesitantly, the farmer said: "My neighbor… I cannot stand him. He makes my life hell. I hate him. Could you send someone?A samurai, or maybe a ninja… to make him disappear? Quietly, so that I can finally have peace?"
The samurai was silent for a moment, then replied: "That can be arranged. I could send someone tonight to silence him. But… everyone knows you two argue often. If he suddenly dies, you will be the first suspect. Is that what you want?"
The farmer was startled and shook his head. "No, Lord… that would be even worse." The samurai thought for a moment and then said: "Then I propose this: invite him for tea every day for three months. Be kind to him. Offer him cookies, listen to him. No one will find that strange. And if he disappears after three months… no one will suspect you.".
The farmer thought this plan was briljant. He bowed deeply and said: "Thank you, Lord. That is what I shall do."That same evening, he invited his neighbor for tea. The neighbor was suspicious, but he came.The farmer poured him hot tea, offered him sweet cookies, and asked how he was doing. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. To his surprise, the neighbor became friendlier. They laughed together, helped each other in the fields, and even began to share meals. One evening, shortly before the three months were up, the neighbor said: "You know… I’m glad I live next to you. You’re the best neighbor I’ve ever had. Maybe even my best friend." The farmer’s throat tightened, and tears welled up in his eyes. He felt deeply ashamed. How could he have thought of having this man killed? The next morning, he went to the samurai again, knelt down, and placed a gift before him."Lord," he said through tears, "I am sorry.I no longer want you to send anyone. I cannot harm him. He has become my friend."T
he samurai looked at him, a faint smile on his face. "That was my plan all along," he said softly."You have learned what I wanted to teach you: when you show love and kindness, it comes back to you just as hatred only breeds more hatred. This is the true way of the warrior: to turn enemies into friends." The farmer bowed deeply as the samurai looked at him with encouragement.
Food for thought
He who sows hatred will reap hatred. But he who shows love and respect can turn even the greatest enemy into a friend.On the true path of the warrior, it is not just about the sword but also about the heart.
