30. Calling Card

     Kei-Chu1, the great Zen teacher of the Meiji2 era, was the head of Tofuku3, a cathedral in Kyoto. One day the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first.

    His attendant presented the card of the governor, which read : Kitagaki4, Governor of Kyoto.

    "I have no business with such a fellow," said Kei-Chu 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, as 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. "I want to see that fellow."


Notes:

1. Kei-Chu

2. The Meiji Era

3. Tofuku

4. Kitagaki