The short story below was written by a Korean Buddhist monk. It illustrates (though lightheartedly) the concept in Buddhism of inyon, sometimes translated as "relation and affinity," but here translated simply as "fate." This page is also designed to be a supplement for intermediate level Korean language study, as well as certain aspects of the culture. The Korean text at the end may allow this page also to be found by Korean students of the English language.

The Table Clock

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It is possible to have a sense of gratitude in one's heart1 when meeting someone2 for the first time. Out of the 3.6 billion people living on this earth, we are meeting one. One person out of the whole world represents the mind-boggling ratio of 3.6 billion to one. We simply must be grateful that fate3 has led us to meet this person. Even a person that causes us harm has been brought to us by fate. Out of so many people... This kind of relationship also seems to exist between things and people. Out of so many things in the world, one in particular comes to me.

One day last fall, upon returning from sunrise worship service,4 I found the door to my room open. It seemed that Sir Thief5 had paid me a visit. It turned out that only the things I really needed were missing. Apparently, the things I needed were also the things he needed. Even so, more things were left behind than were taken. I'm a bit ashamed of the fact that someone would see something of mine and think it worth coveting. Such things were never really mine; they came to me by fate, and when fate ran out they left me--no problem at all.

Several days later, I went to buy a clock. This time I felt I had to get one that was so junky that no one would want it, so I went to a clock shop in Chonggyechon.6 But, but, well who'd have thought! The clock that I lost from my room a few days before was there waiting for me. Someone was there talking to the owner about the price. When he saw me he was embarrassed and looked away. I was embarrassed, too. I gave him a thousand won7 and bought my clock back. If you think about it, we all have similar human faults... anyway, I'm thankful that by fate I was unexpectedly reunited with my clock.

Author unknown; translated by Stephen Wright, Ph.D.
See also www.StephenWright.org/korean

          
Notes:
1. or "mind" (maum)    [back]
2. literally, when one "shares greetings"    [back]
3. inyon    [back]
4. the author is a Buddhist monk (as mentioned in the introduction)    [back]
5. to-sonseng. To means "thief." Sonseng literally means "teacher," and is a higher title than "Mr." (Respect--or at least politeness in order to maintain one's own dignity--should be shown toward all people, even thieves.) As the reader might expect, however, this is a backhanded kind of "respect."    [back]
6. where there are a lot of pawn shops    [back]
7. a thousand won is about a dollar    [back]

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