Tea Combat
====

A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally
slighted a soldier.  He quickly apologized, but the rather
impetuous soldier demanded that the matter be settled in a
sword duel.

The tea master, who had no experience with swords, asked the
advice of a fellow Zen master who did possess such skill. As
he was served by his friend, the Zen swordsman could not
help but notice how the tea master performed his art with
perfect concentration and tranquility.

"Tomorrow," the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the
soldier, hold your weapon above your head, as if ready to
strike, and face him with the same concentration and
tranquility with which you perform the tea ceremony."

The next day, at the appointed time and place for the duel,
the tea master followed this advice. The soldier, readying
himself to strike, stared for a long time into the fully
attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the
soldier lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and
left without a blow being struck.