Sincerity
A Zen Koan.
The old Zen master Bankei passed away.
A blind man living near the temple was speaking about his life to a friend.
"Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person's face."
"Instead, I must judge his character by the sound of his voice."
"Normally, when I hear someone congratulate another about a recent success, I also hear a tone of envy in his voice."
"When condolences are expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the one consoling was glad there was something left to gain in his own world."
"In all my interaction with Bankei, his voice remained sincere."
"When he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness."
"When he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard."
Master Bankei without eyes hears with his Heartmind. We can practice with eyes closed.
Authenticity...is a practice for sure...to even know one's self and to catch the inauthentic tone. I shall ponder this. I continue to enjoy your posts.