Tea Manners

In the tenth year of the Fortunate Emperor, the year of the Rat, the Master of the Temple of Inner Power was dispatched upon an urgent mission to the city of River Furs.

"Pardon me, Master," said the merchant, "you appear dusty and weary with your travels.  Will you take a bowl of tea?"

The Master looked at the merchant.  "Gladly, but only if you will join me."

"I should be honored."

A carpet was placed in the dust that they might sit, and the merchant's followers held another carpet above them that they had shade.  Tea was brought to them.

"Please forgive the poverty of this tea set, but I am on the road myself."

"It is a solid design and keeps the tea hot.  'Form without function is a great poverty', it is said."

"A worthy thought, though this wretched tea is not up to the conversation."

"You are most hospitable.  Thank you for this moment of repose."

The Master sucked his tea thoughtfully, glancing at the merchant's followers.  They were all dressed alike, in light blue pajamas, with belts of gold and gold puggarees about the legs.  The followers did not meet his gaze.

"I should like to return the compliment," said the Master.  "Allow me to invite you to take tea at our monastery."

The merchant stared at the Master, apparently at a loss for words.  The Master smiled inside.

"We are not characters in a charade, Chen," said the Master.  "We can speak our own minds."

"I have killed the two others you sent against me.  I cannot return as a brother to your House," said the merchant.

"If I order a thing, shall it not be done as I order?  You preserve discipline and good manners among your students.  Surely you cannot waste yourself out of concern for scandal."

"I will never go back," said the merchant, putting down his tea. "I have founded my own school and will continue my own course."

"I see.  You will waste yourself, through spite." The Master stood and returned to the sunlit road.  "Begin..."

If you abandon manners, can your behavior be correct?  If you lack correct behavior, will your methods be correct?  If you have incorrect methods, can you achieve your intended results?  Let your manners be impeccable, your methods be correct, and your goals be properly within your scope, and your consummation of life will be glorious.  Think on this for a candle of time.