Learning From Zen Stories 2

Destiny

During a momentous battle, a Japanese general decided to attack even though his army was greatly outnumbered. He was confident they would win, but his men were filled with doubt. On the way to the battle, they stopped at a religious shrine. After praying with the men, the general took out a coin and said, "I shall now toss this coin. If it is heads, we shall win. If tails, we shall lose. Destiny will now reveal itself."

He threw the coin into the air and all watched intently as it landed. It was heads. The soldiers were so overjoyed and filled with confidence that they vigorously attacked the enemy and were victorious. After the battle, a lieutenant remarked to the general, "No one can change destiny."

"Quite right," the general replied as he showed the lieutenant the coin, which had heads on both sides.

Reflections From People's Comments
* You have to be optimistic and confident, otherwise you are doomed.
* If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything.
* There isn't anything like the power of positive thinking. It's a power much greater than oneself."
* You can change destiny. If you aren't responsible for youeself, who will be?
* One person's destiny is another's manipulation.

With Metta,

Bo. Oh Teik Bin