Is That So?

[Plenum]

this is a famous zen story which illustrates the idea of equanimity under all circumstances, and the searching for service in the moment; unclouded by the idea of needing to be 'right' or defend one's reputation, or needing the 'truth to come out'.

there is love, there is experience, and there is the opportunity for service.

A beautiful girl in the village was pregnant. Her angry parents demanded to know who was the father. At first resistant to confess, the anxious and embarrassed girl finally pointed to Hakuin, the Zen master whom everyone previously revered for living such a pure life.

When the outraged parents confronted Hakuin with their daughter's accusation, he simply replied "Is that so?"

When the child was born, the parents brought it to the Hakuin, who now was viewed as a pariah by the whole village. They demanded that he take care of the child since it was his responsibility. "Is that so?" Hakuin said calmly as he accepted the child.

For many months he took very good care of the child until the daughter could no longer withstand the lie she had told. She confessed that the real father was a young man in the village whom she had tried to protect. The parents immediately went to Hakuin to see if he would return the baby. With profuse apologies they explained what had happened. "Is that so?" Hakuin said as he handed them the child.

[Ruth]

This reminds me of my mother-in-law - now deceased - who always responded to gossipy comments and questions with "oh, really?"

[Meerie]

Lol, mentally taking notes..
seems like a good phrase for any kind of situation.
"Is that so?"

[Cyan]

"Fair enough" is one equally valid, fluid statement that means everything to everyone without actually meaning anything to anyone.