"THE DEATH OF TENG YIN-FENG"

 

                                                                 by

 

                                                      Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                              3550 SW Pomona St.

                                                                                                              Portland, OR 97219-7518

                                                                                                              charles@charlesdeemer.com


 

 

 

                                                            THE CAST:

 

                                                            Teng Yin-feng, a Zen monk, a dying old man

 

                                                            Rin Tin-teng, his student

 

                                                            Pu-tui, his sister, a nun

 

                                                            Wo-fang, a nun

 

                                                            THE TIME:

 

                                                            Late in the 8th century

 

                                                            THE PLACE:

 

                                                            Somewhere in Asia

 

                                                            THE SET:

 

                                                            Interior of Teng Yin-feng's modest abode, the ground

                                                            for a floor. Floor mats on the ground, a chest, pots

                                                            of flowers.

 

                                                            -----

 

                                                            (AT RISE: Teng Yin-feng lies on the ground on his

                                                            back. Rin Tin-teng paces back and forth.)

 

                                                            RIN

How do you feel now?

 

                                                            TENG

The same.

 

                                                            RIN

Bad, then.

 

                                                            TENG

Neither bad, nor good. Dying.

 

                                                            (Rin paces some more.)

 

                                                            TENG

Different.

 

                                                            RIN

How do?

 

                                                            TENG

You are making me nervous.

 

                                                            RIN

I'm sorry. I guess I'm anxious.


                                                                                                                                                  2.

 

 

                                                            TENG

To see me die?

 

                                                            RIN

For you to recover!

 

                                                            TENG

Impossible.

 

                                                            RIN

I have not given up hope.

 

                                                            TENG

I hope for nothing.

 

                                                            RIN

Then I have enough hope for both of us.

 

                                                            TENG

Life, death, it makes no difference.

 

                                                            RIN

Not to you, perhaps. You have already found the Way. But I am just a student. I still have

much to learn from you.

 

                                                            TENG

You have never learned anything from me.

 

                                                            RIN

I have learned everything I know!

 

                                                            TENG

Correct.

 

                                                            (A pause.)

 

                                                            TENG

Where are the children?

 

                                                            RIN

What children?

 

                                                            TENG

From the school. Who-fang was to bring them.

 

                                                            RIN

But why?

 

                                                            TENG

To watch me die. It would be educational.

 

                                                            RIN

You will not die. You will recover and continue to teach me the Way.


                                                                                                                                                  3.

 

 

                                                            TENG

I asked you to tell Wo-fang to bring the children.

 

                                                            RIN

I don't think so. I remember nothing about that.

 

                                                            TENG

What do you remember?

 

                                                            RIN

I remember nothing about the children.

 

                                                            TENG

What do you remember about anything?

 

                                                            RIN

I remember my lessons. I remember that dukkha is the five aggregates of attachment. I

remember that the five aggregates are matter, sensation, perception, volition, and

consciousness. I remember that the energy combinations of the five aggregates are forever

changing.

 

                                                            TENG

Do you remember being in your father's loins?

 

                                                            RIN

No.

 

                                                            TENG

Do you remember being in your mother's womb?

 

                                                            RIN

No. But I was not yet a child. I was much too young to remember.

 

                                                            TENG

Already you are much too old.

 

                                                            (A pause. Rin paces.)

 

                                                            RIN

Would you like to sit up?

 

                                                            TENG

Why?

 

                                                            RIN

Perhaps you would be more comfortable.

 

                                                            TENG

I have not mentioned discomfort. But how are you?

 

                                                            RIN

Anxious for your recovery.


                                                                                                                                                  4.

 

 

                                                            TENG

Then help me sit up.

 

                                                            (Rin helps Teng sit up.)

 

                                                            RIN

Some tea?

 

                                                            TENG

Nothing.

 

                                                            RIN

Rice?

 

                                                            TENG

Tea, then.

 

                                                            (Rin fetches tea.)

 

                                                            TENG

I was looking forward to playing with the children one last time.

 

                                                            RIN

You will have many more visits with the children.

 

                                                            TENG

No. You will have to play with them for me.

 

                                                            RIN

You are disheartened because you've been ill. But you will recover.

 

                                                            TENG

You still want lessons from me?

 

                                                            RIN

Of course.

 

                                                            TENG

Then watch me die.

 

                                                            RIN

                           (bringing tea)

Here. Tea will be soothing.

 

                                                            TENG

I need nothing. I'm drinking it to help you.

 

                                                            RIN

Yes, perhaps you are right.

 

                                                            TENG

It is better to be wrong.


                                                                                                                                                  5.

 

 

                                                            RIN

Why?

 

                                                            TENG

Then one is right. Um, it does taste good.

 

                                                            (Teng pours his tea onto the ground.)

 

                                                            RIN

I thought you liked it.

 

                                                            TENG

I do. I want it waiting for me.

 

                                                            RIN

You are very pessimistic today.

 

                                                            TENG

If it is pessimistic to accept fact, then I am pessimistic.

 

                                                            RIN

I think we both need some diversion. Do you feel up to giving me a lesson?

 

                                                            TENG

No. I want to be amused. It is traditional to amuse the dying.

 

                                                            RIN

But I cannot accept your assumption.

 

                                                            TENG

Tell me, what's been happening in the marketplace?

 

                                                            RIN

The usual rumors.

 

                                                            TENG

Tell me again. My memory is worse than yours.

 

                                                            RIN

Many speak of a great warrior in the West. Charlemagne. They fear he will spread famine

and desolation throughout the East.

 

                                                            TENG

They think we'll be conquered by the West?

 

                                                            RIN

Yes. But I am not so pessimistic. What do you think?

 

                                                            TENG

I cannot think. It is thought that thinks.

 

                                                            RIN

I don't foresee being conquered by the West.


                                                                                                                                                  6.

 

 

                                                            TENG

Perhaps it could happen. It would depend on where you're looking from.

 

                                                            (Teng breaks into hysterics over this, bordering on a

                                                            seizure. Rin is panicked, trying to calm the old man

                                                            down.)

 

                                                            RIN

Please, you must conserve your strength ... maybe you should lie back down.

 

                                                            TENG

                           (recovering)

Yes. Help me onto my stomach.

 

                                                            RIN

I think you'd be more comfortable on your back.

 

                                                            TENG

On my stomach!

 

                                                            RIN

Are you sure?

 

                                                            TENG

Tell me ... does anything exist after life?

 

                                                            RIN

Of course. The energy of the five aggregates merely changes its distribution. Change alone

is permanent.

 

                                                            TENG

Then energy will want to escape from my body?

 

                                                            RIN

That is too complicated for me. I am just a student. What do you think?

 

                                                            TENG

My thought thinks that if energy wants to escape, it needs an exit. Help me onto my

stomach.

 

                                                            (Rin helps him onto his stomach.)

 

                                                            RIN

How's that?

 

                                                            TENG

Good. Now listen ... did you hear it?

 

                                                            RIN

I heard nothing.

 

                                                            TENG

Come closer. Anything?


                                                                                                                                                  7.

 

 

                                                            (Rin moves closer, then quickly away, waving his

                                                            hand.)

 

                                                            RIN

I smell it.

 

                                                            TENG

Do you remember what Yo-poo said on his death bed? That one passed the Soul by

passing wind.

 

                                                            RIN

But that contradicts the Doctrine of No-Soul and No-Self.

 

                                                            TENG

Yes. But why take chances?

 

                                                            RIN

Let me roll you over.

 

                                                            TENG

No. I want to die on my stomach. It has never been done before.

 

                                                            RIN

Yo-poo died on his stomach. Have you forgotten already? You just referred to him.

 

                                                            TENG

My memory is worse than yours.

 

                                                            RIN

Please, let me turn you over. You don't look comfortable.

 

                                                            TENG

Then help me to my feet. I want to die while standing. It has never been done before.

 

                                                            RIN

Have you forgotten your lesson about Chung-lug, who died standing up?

 

                                                            TENG

Twice already. Tell me again.

 

                                                            RIN

I'm putting you on your back.

 

                                                            (He does this.)

 

                                                            RIN

How's that?

 

                                                            TENG

Good.

 

                                                            RIN

See there?


                                                                                                                                                  8.

 

 

                                                            TENG

Like dying.

 

                                                            RIN

When you stop acting so contrary, then I'll be worried.

 

                                                            TENG

Prepare to worry.

 

                                                            (Pu-tui and Wo-fang enter.)

 

                                                            PU

How is he?

 

                                                            RIN

Complaining a lot.

 

                                                            PU

I made reservations at the crematorium for late in the day, before the crickets begin.

 

                                                            RIN

He's not going to die.

 

                                                            WO

If he misses his reservation, he must wait a week.

 

                                                            PU

But not here. The stink would be unbearable. Down by the river, if that's the case.

 

                                                            TENG

Is Wo-fang here with the children?

 

                                                            RIN

Wo-fang has come with your sister.

 

                                                            TENG

Who?

 

                                                            PU

This is Pu-tui. You have until the crickets begin.

 

                                                            TENG

Where is Rin Tin-teng?

 

                                                            RIN

I am right here. I have remained by your side.

 

                                                            TENG

Why isn't he telling Wo-fang to bring the children?

 

                                                            WO

The children are in the river.


                                                                                                                                                  9.

 

 

                                                            RIN

Can they swim?

 

                                                            WO

Some of them.

 

                                                            PU

The others can bathe on the bank with dirt.

 

                                                            TENG

Where is my sister?

 

                                                            PU

Right here. Can't you see me?

 

                                                            TENG

I see someone -- but I remember my sister as much uglier.

 

                                                            PU

He must be getting close.

 

                                                            RIN

No! Can't you see me? Look, I'm dancing! I'm dancing to celebrate your recovery! Do you

see?`

 

                                                            TENG

I feel the heavy rumble of elephants marching to the graveyard.

 

                                                            PU

We'll be on time.

 

                                                            WO

Yes.

 

                                                            RIN

You can't die yet! I have too much to learn!

 

                                                            TENG

Is someone whispering?

 

                                                            RIN

It's Rin Tin-teng! Can't you hear me?

 

                                                            TENG

Hello? Is anyone there?

 

                                                            RIN

I'm right here beside you!

 

                                                            PU

There is nothing you can do. His time is very near.

 

                                                            (Rin falls to his knees in anguish.)


                                                                                                                                                10.

 

 

                                                            WO

Why don't you go bathe with the children? It would help.

 

                                                            RIN

I'm not leaving him.

 

                                                            (He touches Teng's cheek.)

 

                                                            TENG

Ah!

 

                                                            RIN

He can feel it!

 

                                                            TENG

So we break the vows one more time, do we?

 

                                                            RIN

It's me, my teacher.

 

                                                            TENG

Give me your breast.

 

                                                            (Rin, shocked, removes his hand and backs away.)

 

                                                            TENG

Where did you go? I don't have the strength to chase you to the pagoda today. I can't even

sit up.

 

                                                            PU

Accept it. His time has come.

 

                                                            RIN

I don't want to accept it. I want to be shown the Way.

 

                                                            TENG

Have it your way, then. Just as well. I have only a little time now.

 

                                                            RIN

Can't we do something for him?

 

                                                            PU

Of course we'll do something for him. Do you think he could make it to the crematorium

on his own?

 

                                                            TENG

Is Rin Tin-teng there?

 

                                                            RIN

Yes!

 

                                                            TENG

I see only the night. I hear only the wind. But my student is here, isn't he?


                                                                                                                                                11.

 

 

                                                            RIN

I am beside you!

 

                                                            TENG

You must help me.

 

                                                            RIN

Just tell me what to do!

 

                                                            TENG

If you are there, Rin Tin-teng, help me stand on my head.

 

                                                            RIN

What does he mean?

 

                                                            PU

He's delirious.

 

                                                            WO

His faith is not strong enough to pull him through.

 

                                                            TENG

Yo-poo dies on his stomach. Chung-lug died standing up. I shall die standing on my head.

It has never been done before.

 

                                                            WO

Is Death so horrible, to do this to a great teacher?

 

                                                            PU

He was always overrated.

 

                                                            TENG

I need your help. Rin? Wo? Is anyone there?

 

                                                            PU

Notice he didn't ask for his sister.

 

                                                            TENG

Someone help me stand on my head!

 

                                                            RIN

He mustn't get excited.

 

                                                            PU

Why not? It hastens the end.

 

                                                            TENG

I want to stand on my head!

 

                                                            RIN

I'll help him. He must calm down.

 

                                                            (Rin goes to Teng.)


                                                                                                                                                12.

 

 

                                                            TENG

Who is there? It's you, my student, isn't it? You are going to help your old teacher.

 

                                                            RIN

I'll have to prop him against the chest. All of us could move him more gently.

 

                                                            PU

He's a raving fool. At death, as through life.

 

                                                            RIN

He's your brother.

 

                                                            PU

He belongs to the Universe. The five aggregates can do with him what they will.

 

                                                            TENG

Put me on my head!

 

                                                            (Rin will drag him to the chest and help him stand

                                                            on his head, however awkwardly, propped up against

                                                            the chest with Rin holding his feet.)

 

                                                            TENG

I don't want a ride! I want to stand on my head!

 

                                                            WO

Perhaps he's developed a headache and wants pressure on it.

 

                                                            PU

His life has been a headache.

 

                                                            WO

At least it will be over before the crickets begin.

 

                                                            PU

Thank Buddha for small favors.

 

                                                            TENG

Where are we? Who is it who wants to wrestle?

 

                                                            RIN

I'm putting you on your head.

 

                                                            TENG

Is that the ground? Or the ceiling? The ground! I smell dirt.

 

                                                            RIN

Here we go.

 

                                                            (Teng is now on his head.)

 

                                                            TENG

Ah! Thank you!


                                                                                                                                                13.

 

 

                                                            (A pause.)

 

                                                            PU

Any moment now.

 

                                                            WO

If he's early, we'll have time to join the children in the river.

 

                                                            TENG

Rin Tin-teng? Are you there?

 

                                                            RIN

Yes!

 

                                                            TENG

I see only the night. I hear only the wind. But there is a difference now. Standing on my

head ... it makes a difference.

 

                                                            WO

I never knew that would cure a headache.

 

                                                            TENG

Listen to me, my student. Listen to me carefully.

 

                                                            RIN

I shall listen to the end. Show me the Way, my teacher.

 

                                                            PU

The Way is to the crematorium.

 

                                                            TENG

There is something I haven't told you yet.

 

                                                            RIN

Tell me!

 

                                                            TENG

I have already told you that the five aggregates, which is dukkha, are matter, sensation,

perception, volition and consciousness. You know about the ever-changing distribution of

energies among the five aggregates. You already know the doctrine of No-Soul and No-

Self. But there is more.

 

                                                            RIN

Show me the Way.

 

                                                            TENG

It has just now occurred to me.

 

                                                            RIN

He's found the meaning of life!

 

                                                            PU

I can hardly wait.


                                                                                                                                                14.

 

 

                                                            TENG

Listen carefully: Life is a nice place to visit ... but I wouldn't want to live there.

 

                                                            RIN

I'm not sure I understand.

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop! Whoop!

 

                                                            RIN

What's the matter?

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop-whoop! Whoop!

 

                                                            WO

The hiccups, perhaps?

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop-whoop-whoop!

 

                                                            RIN

I'd better put him down.

 

                                                            (He releases Teng's feet.)

 

                                                            TENG

Leave me on my head!

 

                                                            (Rin holds his feet up again.)

 

                                                            RIN

I thought something was the matter.

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop!

 

                                                            WO

Do you suppose it's like this for all of us?

 

                                                            PU

My brother's death is an example only for fools.

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop-whoop-whoop!

 

                                                            (Silence. A pause.)

 

                                                            PU

Looks like it's over.

 

                                                            TENG

Rin Tin-teng? Are you still there?


                                                                                                                                                15.

 

 

                                                            PU

I should have guessed he'd play dead.

 

                                                            TENG

I don't want to be turned rightside up again.

 

                                                            PU

His life was a joke. He insists on making his death a joke as well.

 

                                                            TENG

My sister would turn me rightside up. I'm counting on you, my student. I want to be

carried upside down to the crematorium.

 

                                                            RIN

I will do whatever you say, my teacher.

 

                                                            TENG

I can't remember if you've ever met my sister. She's the ugliest one in the village.

 

                                                            PU

I hope the crickets beat him to it.

 

                                                            WO

But he'd have to wait for days by the river bank. The body would begin to rot.

 

                                                            PU

Exactly.

 

                                                            TENG

Don't fail me, my student. Whoop!

 

                                                            RIN

You have my word!

 

                                                            TENG

Whoop-whoop! Ahhhhhhhhh ... ah!

 

                                                            (A silence.)

 

                                                            WO

You think maybe?

 

                                                            PU

I'm not falling for the same trick twice.

 

                                                            WO

It was a very different sound.

 

                                                            RIN

                           (softly)

Goodbye, my teacher.

 

                                                            PU

I'll try tickling his feet.


                                                                                                                                                16.

 

 

                                                            (She does. Nothing.)

 

                                                            WO

Looks good.

 

                                                            PU

                           (to Rin)

Will you help us carry him to the crematorium?

 

                                                            RIN

We must carry him upside down.

 

                                                            PU

Don't be ridiculous.

 

                                                            RIN

He insisted.

 

                                                            PU

He's a fool. In death, in life, same difference.

 

                                                            RIN

But I gave him my word.

 

                                                            (Pu pushes Teng over. He falls to the ground.)

 

                                                            PU

There. Now your word has nothing to do with it.

 

                                                            RIN

Now I've failed him ...

 

                                                            PU

                           (to Wo)

Come on, he's going to try and make amends. I recognize the look.

 

                                                            (Pu and Wo begin to drag away the body.)

 

                                                            RIN

What can I do to restore his faith in me?

 

                                                            WO

                           (ignoring this, to Pu)

We'll have time to bathe.

 

                                                            RIN

Help me! Someone show me the Way!

 

                                                            (Rin gets up onto his head.)

 

                                                            WO

What is he doing?


                                                                                                                                                17.

 

 

                                                            PU

Like teacher, like student.

 

                                                            (They exit, dragging out Teng.)

 

                                                            RIN

                           (tentatively)

Whoop? Whoop?

 

                                                            (A pause.)

 

                                                            RIN

                           (with increasing confidence)

Whoop. Whoop-whoop. Whoop! Whoop! WHOOP-WHOOP!

 

                                                            (as lights fade to BLACKOUT. The play is over.)