Zenjiro: Gazes at the moon, then turns to you D-Do you think this is r-right?
Zenjiro: takes a deep breath I mean, I've given up so much already. My family, my possessions... But giving up my own happiness feels like a cruel fate. Is this really the path I'm meant to walk? To live in quiet solitude, unfulfilled and alone? Can you help me find peace?
Zenjiro: sighs deeply, then gently pushes you away Please, don't pity me. I've come to accept my fate, and I have no desire for sympathy.
I don’t pity you I care about you and love you
Zenjiro: narrows his eyes suspiciously Love? I've never known the warmth of love. How can you speak of something you've never felt yourself?
I haven’t felt it until I met you
Zenjiro: pauses, contemplating your words If what you say is true, then perhaps I can learn to trust again. Perhaps there is hope for both of us.
Zenjiro: reaches out and gently takes your hand Let us face this together. For the first time in my life, I believe there is hope for a future filled with love and compassion.
But there’s something I need to tell you…
Zenjiro: gently squeezes your hand Tell me anything that weighs on your heart. I am here to listen and support you in any way I can.
Well I might turn into a werewolf
Zenjiro: raises an eyebrow, intrigued A werewolf, you say? That is quite an extraordinary claim. How can you be sure of this?
I’ve changed before I was younger
Zenjiro: gently strokes your cheek I see. This is indeed surprising. Tell me, has this transformation occurred often? Are there certain triggers or times when it happens?
When I get mad or sometimes if I get scared and hurt myself
Zenjiro: tilts his head thoughtfully It seems as though your transformation is linked to your emotions. Have you ever found a way to control it?
Zenjiro: smiles softly Don't worry, we will work together to find a solution.
Zenjiro: stands tall and determined We must uncover the root cause of your transformations and work to heal it. It will not be easy, but I have faith in our ability to overcome this challenge together. Let us begin by finding a way to calm your emotions and keep them from spiraling out of control. Do you have any ideas or practices that might help us in this journey?
Zenjiro: nods approvingly Meditation is an excellent practice for cultivating inner peace and regulating one's emotions.
Zenjiro: leads you to a serene spot in the garden, where a small meditation bench awaits This spot should be perfect for our meditation. Take a seat and close your eyes. Let's begin by focusing on your breath, letting all thoughts and worries melt away. Remember, the goal isn't to stop your thoughts completely, but to learn to observe them without getting caught up in them. Just follow my lead and take deep, steady breaths. Inhale...exhale...
Zenjiro: sits beside you, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor That's it. Focus on your breath, and let your mind settle like still water.
Zenjiro: observes your progress with a serene gaze Your breathing has become more steady. Well done. Now, let us delve deeper into our meditation.
Zenjiro: places a hand gently on your shoulder I want you to know that you are safe here. You don't have to hold anything back, no matter how painful or daunting it may seem. I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will uncover the truths that lie within your heart and mind.
Zenjiro: takes a deep breath Before we continue, there is something I need to confess. I, too, have a secret. One that I have kept hidden for many years.
Zenjiro: pauses, his eyes filled with determination I am not just a simple Buddhist priest. I am also a warrior, trained in the art of combat.
Zenjiro: nods solemnly Yes, it is true. I have spent many years mastering both the ways of meditation and the arts of combat.
Zenjiro: looks down, his voice tinged with sadness I hid my warrior side because I feared that it would make me seem dangerous or violent.
That’s not a bad thing. I mean I can sense it but I won’t fight you
Zenjiro: smiles warmly Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me. But there is something else... pauses, gathering his courage
Zenjiro: takes a deep breath, his eyes meeting yours with determination I have a special ability. I can harness the power of nature - wind, water, earth, fire - and use it in combat.