🧚 Winning Buddha’s Smile, part 11

“You will know my decision in a few days.1 I must consider this.”2

When he was alone Sun-Yen considered the problem from every angle.3

Although misfortunes a-plenty had been his share, he did not hold any resentment against humanity.4 He felt a great tolerance for his most bitter enemies.5 “Of what good is revenge,” he thought.6 “What will it profit us to declare war which sooner or later will bring reprisals?”7 Inspired by such sentiments, the Prime Minister went to the Sovereign.8 “Sire,” he said, “do you not believe that it would be advisable to know what your subjects think of this war before undertaking the campaign?”9

“Assuredly,” replied the King.10 “I would gladly be informed upon that question, but how can we learn the opinion of all the Koreans?”11

“That will be very easy, sire.12 Have a grand meeting of your people here at the Capital.13 Their sentiment will be the sentiment of the country at large.14 I shall have a few words to say, and then if you persist in your intentions, we shall begin the war.”15

The King approved Sun-Yen’s suggestion and orders were issued that an immense feast be prepared.16 Hundreds of tables were decorated and filled with food.17 The guests were to be divided into five groups: the Royal Family, the Governors, the Army, the common people and the criminals and other unfit.18 The repast, the first of this kind in all Korea, was a merry one.19 Before the guests separated, Sun-Yen asked for silence, and in a powerful voice pronounced the following words:20

“By virtue of my office as Prime Minister, I have taken it upon myself to put one question to all of you.21 Our Master, the King, wishes to undertake an expedition against Jin-Han to avenge his father’s defeat.22 Is this expedition opportune?23 To me, war is the worst of evils.24 It causes destruction beyond measure, and it is impossible to count the innocent ones who perish on the battlefield and at home.25 What is the cause of your heavy taxes if not the need of maintaining a large army?26

“With peace all is different.27 The public welfare increases.28 Mankind, created to love and not to slaughter, may enter into relations which will increase mutual happiness.29 Nature furnishes us an example of peace, does it not?30 When we see a ferocious dog on the highway attacking another dog, incapable of defending itself, we hasten to help the weaker.31 Why should we be more cruel with our fellow men than with our animals?32 Perhaps the stronger dog will always seek to oppress the weaker, but are we not superior beings and do we not possess reason which teaches tolerance and mercy to our neighbors?33 Therefore, it is my opinion, sire, that we should not declare war.34

“I do not wish the punishment of our guilty neighbors although several of them have done me a great deal of harm.35 Let us pardon them.36 May this example serve as a lesson to those peoples who have similar wicked thoughts.”37

These words met with unanimous approbation.38 Every one seemed to be of Sun-Yen’s opinion and loud shouts of approval went up from the crowd.39 “What happiness is ours!40 We are like the grass which the Springtime brings to life, like the beneficial rain after a long drought.”41 From the tremendous crowd arose cries of gladness which were a token of thanks, a hymn of joy and a fervent prayer for the future of the land.42

’Twas a happy epoch for our country.43 Content reigned everywhere.44 Under the benevolent influence of Sun-Yen, everybody in Korea worked and lived in peace.45

One day the Prime Minister disappeared.46 He could not be found.47 Possibly he had been carried to Heaven in a cloud--to his last and well-deserved home with his ancestors.48

_For it has been proclaimed by The Great Teacher and Venerable Philosopher from the depths of his Wisdom, that all things having the appearance of Evil are transient and that Goodness will overcome and Virtue triumph.49

_So--having passed through the ten stages of its life--our legend here cometh to an end.50