Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘In the year Gui Mao (643], the emperor Tai Zong, hearing about Daoxin’s reputation, invited the master to the capital city. Daoxin declined the invitation. Three times the emperor invited the master and three times he declined.

On the fourth occasion, the emperor said to his emissary, “This time if he doesn’t come, bring back his head.”

When the emissary delivered the emperor’s command to the mountain, Daoxin simply exposed and stretched his neck to allow his head to be cut off, and stood there in a dignified manner. This shocked the emissary. When he reported this situation, the emperor changed his intention and honored Daoxin. He presented the master with valuable silk and venerated him as an example.’

I don’t remember where I was recounting this story recently, but I did, on the subject of non-attachment. As with all these kinds of stories from the legendary period, a pinch of salt may be advisable.