In feudal Japan, a tailor desired to travel to another province. He thought it would be wise to dress as a samurai warrior for his protection. No sooner had he arrived at is destination than he accidentally bumped a real samurai. The man was indignant. "You have dishonored me. Meet me at the edge of town at noon and we will settle this with swords," he said. The tailor was taken aback by the turn of events; he was no warrior. A few moments later, he wandered into the presence of a Zen Master. He related the story to him and asked for some insight into how he could face his fate wih dignity.
"Do you study some discipline?" the monk asked.
"I am a tailor," he said.
"How do you approach your work?" The monk questioned.
The tailor explained how he focused on each task with singleness of mind. "When you face your samurai today, do not regard him as he stands before you. Instead, fuse your tailor's mind to focus completely as you take off your outer coat and fold it neatly. Then tie up the sleeves of your shirt to get them out of your way. When you rise, close your eyes and draw your sword straight above your head, concentrating all your energy into this act. At the first sign of movement from your enemy, bring your sword straight down. If you feel a cool breeze on the top of your head, that will be death."
The tailor thanked the Master for his instruction.
When the tailor arrived at the scene of the duel, he ignored those who had come to watch him and his opponent. Following the instructions of the Zen Master, he approached the fight as if he were in his shop working on clothes. He took off his outer coat with singleness of mind and remained focused throughout each act. Finally, he drew his sword high above his head and closed his eyes. The samurai had been watching with awe. He had never seen a warrior so meticulous about his garment or so unconcerned when facing death. He surmised that he was facing a great Master. He bowed. "I have been too hasty. I realize now that you did not bump into me on purpose. There is no need for us to fight."
When the tailor later told the Zen Master what had happened, he was curious about the samurai's reaction. The Master explained, "He saw no fear of death in you. He could not sense your weakness... and so his own fear came to the surface."

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