Keichu, the great Zen
teacher of the Meiji era, was the head of Tofuku, a cathedral in Kyoto. One day
the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first time.
His attendant presented
the card of the governor, which read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto.
“I have no business with
such an exalted fellow,” said Keichu to his attendant. “Tell him to get out of
here.” The attendant carried the card back with apologies. “That was my error,”
said the governor, and with a pencil he scratched out the words Governor of
Kyoto. “Ask your teacher again.”
“Oh, is that Kitagaki?”
exclaimed the teacher when he saw the card. “Please show him in. I want to see
that fellow.”
