- The Qi of a Brotherly Relationship
- 1 One day in April 1934, Tae-mo-nim was sitting on the porch of the Oh-sung Mountain Dojang,
- 2 when an unfamiliar man in his thirties limped toward the dojang, supported by a bamboo cane. He sat in a sunny part of the yard to rest.
- 3 Tae-mo-nim asked him who he was.
- 4 “I am from Hae-nahm County, Jul-la Province,” he answered. “My younger brother ran away from home when he was fifteen and has not been heard from since. I have searched for him in all the towns throughout the country, but have yet to find him.
- 5 I started to think that I might find him at a temple, and so, as you can see, I am looking for him in the mountains.”
- 6 Tae-mo-nim praised him. “Your dedication as an older brother is commendable. Come up and sit with Me.”
- 7 She continued, “It must be a hardship to search in all directions, especially with a bad leg.
- 8 How long has your leg been like that?”
“When I was eighteen, I injured it while playing with friends.”
- 9 “For long journeys, you need good legs. Stand up.” She rubbed the injured leg and said, “It will soon heal. Try walking around in the sun.”
- 10 As he walked back and forth several times, his limp disappeared, and he could walk well.
- 11 He was so thankful, he kneeled on the ground and bowed again and again.
- 12 Tae-mo-nim said to the cook, “Bring us some lunch.”
- 13 After the man had eaten his fill, She said, “Throw away this bamboo cane.” She asked, “What is your brother’s name?”
- 14 When he told Her, She said, “Your brother is now working as a servant at Mu-ryahng Temple in Choong-chung Province.”
- 15 “How do You know?” the man asked Her.
She replied, “The qi of your brotherly relationship connects you.
- 16 Leave immediately, and on your way back, stop by here.”
- 17 The man expressed his heartfelt gratitude and went quickly on his way without his bamboo cane.
- 18 After eight or nine days, the brothers came to Tae-mo-nim and bowed gratefully. They then went to Goon-sahn to take the train home.
- 19 In August of that year, the man came back with presents for Tae-mo-nim. As he offered them, he shed tears of gratitude.
- (JSD Dojeon 11,229)