BOKUDEN, A Beautiful Oriental Story

This beautiful oriental story tells us about Tsukahara Bokuden, a legendary 16th century sword master in Japan. He was a practitioner of martial arts and became very famous for his talent for combat, but mainly for his wisdom.

They say that Bokuden had three children and wanted to put them to the test. He wanted to know how cautious and evolved they were. To check, he put a heavy headrest on the door and left it ajar. Then, he called his eldest son, Hikoshiro, with great haste.

The eldest son was a very appreciated young man by all. He had a sweet character and a reputation as a cautious man. This oriental story tells that when his father called him, he reached the half-open door and gently pushed it. He noticed that it was heavier and supposed that something had changed.

Cautiously, he began to feel around the top of the door. So he discovered that there was the headrest and gently removed it. Bokuden was pleased and just said something casual to her. Then the eldest son left the room, leaving the headrest just as he had found it. different reactions A few days passed and Bokuden wanted to carry out the same test with his second son, who was called Hikogoro. Eastern history says that he was well known for his great agility and dexterity. He wasn't cautious, like his older brother, because he was very confident in his abilities.

The father called Hikogoro and he quickly got up and went to the door. Without thinking twice, he pushed her into the room soon. The headrest fell, but the boy was so agile that he caught it out of the air. Then he put him back in his place. Bokuden was thoughtful.

It was time for him to take the test with his youngest son, Hikoroku. This was the most impulsive of all, but also the most joyful and loving. Bokuden loved him very much, but he was afraid that he would not be able to pass the test. He was right. The father called his youngest son, just as he had done with his brothers.

Hikoroku rushed out and pushed open the door with great energy. The headrest fell and hit the chomnaje, or traditional Japanese bow tie. The oriental story tells that when the boy felt the blow, he drew his sword and split the object in two, before it fell to the ground. Then he laughed and seemed proud of his reaction.

A memory in oriental history reaction of his youngest son. He thought that such an impulsive person would only bring misfortune and ruin to his house. Tradition said that he should disown him, since his behavior only showed a lack of conscience and wisdom.

Bokuden, however, called all of his children and told them about an episode that he himself had experienced years before. He had a student who was considered the most skilled of all his apprentices. Quick in mind and quick in body, he was used to winning in every fight.

It happened that this apprentice was walking one afternoon through a street in the village. He passed a rather nervous horse. So restless was the animal that when he felt the presence of his disciple near him, he kicked. However, the student was so skilled that he made a catlike movement and dodged the blow. Those who were present applauded.

A beautiful moral

That same afternoon, the outstanding student arrived at Bokuden and spoke to him about what had happened, with some pride. Bokuden listened carefully, but as soon as the apprentice finished the story, he expelled him from his classes. He said that he never wanted to see him again. Everyone else was surprised. How was it that he didn't appreciate the skilful action of his student?

The three sons of Bokuden listened to the story very carefully. The eldest son was silent and seemed to reflect. The one in the middle, he looked intrigued. And the youngest son seemed confused and restless. "How come you fired such a skilled man?... Were you afraid that he would take your place?" asked the boy.

Oriental history says that Bokuden replied: “A man who is not capable of foreseeing dangers, but only reacting to them, does not deserve to be my disciple. If he had been a wise man, he would never have passed the horse." The three sons were silent. The one in the middle and the youngest understood the message and without being asked by his father, they withdrew with their heads down.