MEDITATION TIPS (N271)
— 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
September 28, 2025

“During your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, and you are in agony” (Luke 16:25)

　In the Chinese classic “The World Inside a Pillow,” there is a story called “The Dream of Handan.” Long ago, in the capital of Zhao, Handan, a Taoist monk named Lu Weng was resting at an inn. A poor young man named Lu Sheng happened to pass by and lamented his destitute circumstances to Lu Weng. At the inn, the owner was steaming millet. As sleep overtook him, Lu Sheng borrowed a ceramic pillow from Lu Weng, which promised to grant him glory and splendor. This pillow had holes at both ends. While he slept, the holes grew larger and larger. When he entered them, he found himself in a magnificent mansion and began to live there. Soon, he married the daughter of a noble family, passed the imperial examinations to become an official, rose through the ranks, and finally ascended to the position of Prime Minister.

　But one day, he was suddenly arrested on false charges and sentenced to death for treason against the state. Lu Sheng regretted his choices, lamenting, “In my hometown countryside, I had a small plot of land. If only I had stayed there, farming without ambition, this would never have happened. Why did I ever think of seeking advancement? I long for the days when I walked the road to Handan in rags.” He tried to take his own life, but his wife stopped him. Eventually, all his companions arrested for treason were executed, but Lu Sheng alone was exiled to a distant land by the emperor’s decree. Years later, however, his innocence was proven. He returned to the kingdom, regained the emperor’s trust, and is restored to a high office.

　His five children each rose to prominence, married into distinguished families, and blessed him with many grandchildren, restoring Lu Sheng’s happiness. However, his health failed, and he fell ill. Visitors came constantly to see him, and the emperor sent renowned physicians and fine medicines. But age could not be overcome. Surrounded by many, Lu Sheng finally passed away peacefully.

　Lu Sheng yawned widely and awoke, still in the inn at Handan. Old Lu was beside him, and even that millet porridge hadn’t finished steaming yet. Everything remained exactly as before. The fifty-year life he had thought so long was but a fleeting moment. Lu Sheng had experienced it all. Resolving to live modestly in the countryside without further ambition, he left the inn.

　Drawing inspiration from this “Dream of Handan” and using my imagination, I wish to conclude today’s parable of the rich man and Lazarus as follows: “He suddenly awoke. And he felt deep relief that that hell had been a dream. Everything remained as it had been. The life he had thought so long was but a fleeting event. Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, he realized: ‘I must abandon this foolish notion of becoming rich and living a life of leisure. Instead, I will live modestly with Lazarus for the rest of my days.’ And so, he returned to his former, modest life.”

　“In such a short life, there is no time for strife, apologies, heartburning, or callings to account. There is only time for loving — and even that is but a moment.” (Mark Twain)

 　　　　　(Contributed by Father Yutaka Akabae)