No Gotoki [new]: Buta

That night, a terrible storm swept the valley. Lightning struck the temple’s grain stores. Famine clawed at the village. The disciples, once proud, grew thin and desperate. But the beggar — who had taken shelter in an old pigsty — did not starve. He ate wild roots, knew which mushrooms were safe, and slept warm in the straw.

Sesshin stared at him. “Why help me? I called you worse than a pig.”

Sesshin fell ill. His body, weakened by fasting, could no longer rise. The disciples scattered, each looking for their own survival. Only the beggar remained.

The beggar only smiled.

He entered the master’s room, carrying a bowl of broth made from muddy yams.

That night, a terrible storm swept the valley. Lightning struck the temple’s grain stores. Famine clawed at the village. The disciples, once proud, grew thin and desperate. But the beggar — who had taken shelter in an old pigsty — did not starve. He ate wild roots, knew which mushrooms were safe, and slept warm in the straw.

Sesshin stared at him. “Why help me? I called you worse than a pig.”

Sesshin fell ill. His body, weakened by fasting, could no longer rise. The disciples scattered, each looking for their own survival. Only the beggar remained.

The beggar only smiled.

He entered the master’s room, carrying a bowl of broth made from muddy yams.