One day, a travelling stranger came to visit the master Joshu.
Joshu said, “Stranger, have I ever met you before?”
“No, sir. This is the first time we have met,” replied the stranger.
“Then have a cup of tea,” said Joshu.
Joshu then turned to a monk beside him.
“Have I ever seen you before?” he asked.
“Yes, I have been in this monastery for three years,” replied the monk.
“Then have a cup of tea,” said Joshu.
The head monk was quite confused with this behavior. So he asked, “Master, why do you offer a cup of tea whether or not you have met the person before? Why do you even ask?”
“Head monk, are you here?” said Joshu.
“Of course, I am here,” said the head monk.
“Then have a cup of tea,” said Joshu.
