Zen Koan Writing Series #7: Storyteller’s Zen

Storyteller’s Zen

Encho was a famous storyteller. His tales of love stirred the hearts of his listeners. When he narrated a story of war, it was as if the listeners themselves were in the field of battle.

One day Encho met Yamaoka Tesshu, a layman who had almost embraced masterhood of Zen. “I understand,” said Yamaoka, “you ar the best storyteller in out land and that you make people cry or laugh at will. Tell me my favorite story of the Peach Boy. When I was a little tot I used to sleep beside my mother, and she often related this legend. In the middle of the story I would fall asleep. Tell it to me just as my mother did.”

Encho dared not attempt this. He requested time to study. Several months later he went to Yamaoka and said: “Please give me the opportunity to tell you the story.”

“Some other day,” answered Yamaoka.

Encho was keenly disappointed. He studied further and tried again. Yamaoka rejected him many times. When Encho would start to talk Yamaoka would stop him, saying: “You are not yet like my mother.”

It took Encho five years to be able to tell Yamaoka the legend as his mother had told it to him.

In this way, Yamaoka imparted Zen to Encho.

My Musings

When we write, we become storytellers. Whether fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, we are charged with telling the best story possible in the best way for that story. We may be masters at telling a certain genre of story. When attempting a new genre, we have to learn new techniques to portray that story in the best possible light. We also gain a new audience, with new expectations and desires when listening to our story.

Writing Applications

Know your audience. Although you may be writing for yourself, it is best to have at least an inkling of the people who might read your story. What are their needs? Do they just want an entertaining story to pass the time? Or would they prefer a insightful work with many twists and turns? Perhaps they are looking for a more informative work with a strong, clear message.

If you don’t have direct access to your audience, the best way to determine what they want is by reading others’ stories. You can see what writing conventions are accepted by readers, and which ones seem overdone. It may seem like a lot of extra work, but the results will be seen clearly in your writing.