A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a soldier.
He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier demanded that the matter
be settled in a sword duel. The tea master, who had no experience with swords,
asked the advice of a fellow Zen master who did possess such skill. As he was
served by his friend, the Zen swordsman could not help but notice how the tea
master performed his art with perfect concentration and tranquility. "Tomorrow,"
the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the soldier, hold your weapon above
your head, as if ready to strike, and face him with the same concentration and
tranquility with which you perform the tea ceremony."
The next day, at the appointed time and place for the duel, the tea master followed this advice. The soldier, readying himself to strike, stared for a long time into the fully attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the soldier lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and left without a blow being struck.