Today we return to our origins with a short story or parable from Issai Chozanshi's Daoist work the Inaka Soshi, sometimes translated as "The Hayseed Daoist."

The story today is about a rat who prayers fervently to the gods that all the cats in the world be kicked to death at once. He's got some thoughts about why this prayer is reasonable and then an old toad gives him some feedback on his prayer request... and a story about free market economics and salt monopolies.

This story has some important lessons for the modern martial artist about our intentions and introspection on self-inflicted problems.

Also you'll learn how to distinguish a nekomata from a bakeneko, two different kinds of cat spirits in Japanese folklore!

For more information on nekomata check out Uncanny Japan's episode on the topic at: https://uncannyjapan.com/podcast/supernatural-cats-nekomata/

To sign up for new episode notifications and to receive the "Very Brief Introduction to Philosophy for Martial Artists" PDF as well as a full translation of Chapter 51 of the Budoushoshinshu about disciplined martial arts training... go to: walkingtengu.wix.com/tengu and scroll to the bottom to enter your email.

Image Credit: Unknown