Soldiers of Humanity

Once a division of the Japanese army was engaged in military exercises, and some of the officers found it necessary to make their headquarters in Gasan's temple.

Gasan told his cook, "Let these officers have only the same simple fare we eat."

This, of course, made the army officers angry. They were accustomed to deferential treatment.

One came to Gasan and roughly said, "Who do you think we are? We are soldiers, sacrificing our lives for our country. Why don't you treat us accordingly?"

Gasan answered, "Who do you think we are? We are soldiers of humanity, aiming to save all sentient beings."