23-34ImpedeNotYourThoughts |
Once upon a time, the Zen ascetics imparted a profound teaching: do not
hinder the flow of thoughts, let them arise and dissipate freely. This
message was reiterated time and again, emphasizing the principle of
allowing life to follow its natural course. However, it also cautioned
against being swayed by life's whimsical ways and urged against
indulging in unnecessary pursuits. Zen ascetic Wu Li posed a
thought-provoking question, asking, "Before you attained wisdom, did you
cut down a tree and water a plant? What kind of wisdom did you gain?"
Here, cutting the tree and watering the plant symbolize remaining true
to oneself regardless of the circumstances that come our way.
In this story, we encounter a diligent worker who had been breaking
stones for over twenty-five years. Despite his efforts, his salary
remained stagnant, and he endured a harsh life of poverty alongside his
wife and children. At one point, disheartenment consumed him, and he
started despising himself and his life, wondering if things would
continue in this manner.
One day, as he headed to work with his bag of stone-breaking tools
weighing heavily by his side, mirroring his heavy heart, he passed by
the usual scenes of his daily life. Street hawkers sold eggs and fish on
the streets, the sun ascended into the sky, radiating intense heat,
monkeys leaped from branch to branch, and children played and darted
across the streets. However, none of these sights registered with him as
he trudged along his regular path. Unbeknownst to him, his eyes fell
upon an object.
That object was a merchant's house, and it seemed as if he was seeing it
for the first time that day. This merchant was renowned internationally,
and his opulent house exuded extravagance from the front door to the
roof. Scurrying servants catered to his every need, and the town's
wealthy and influential individuals gathered there, seeking an audience
with him. Upon seeing this, the stone breaker let out a sigh and
muttered, "If only I were a merchant like him, life would be so
splendid."
Miraculously, his wish came true. He transformed into a prosperous
merchant, rolling in wealth and surrounded by countless servants.
However, despite his newfound prosperity, something essential was
missing: tranquility. For the first time, he encountered the enmity and
jealousy of those less fortunate. One morning, while observing a
commotion on the street from his palatial residence, he peered out to
see what was happening.
A grand procession, complete with bells, trumpets, and more, captured
his attention. A high-ranking official from the kingdom sat with pomp
and grace in a palanquin, the cynosure of the procession. Guards,
servants, and officials surrounded him, and pedestrians respectfully
made way for the procession to pass unhindered. Merchants, the poor, and
the wealthy alike bowed their heads in deference to the high official.
Our protagonist, caught up in his dreams, sighed and mused, "How
wonderful it would be if I were the high official of the kingdom."
Once again, his wish materialized, and he became the esteemed high
official. People showered him with respect wherever he went, and a
contingent stood ready to ensure his security. Yet, he remained
unsatisfied. One day, while returning home in a palanquin after visiting
a place, the sun's scorching heat became unbearable. The stagnant, hot
air within the carriage stifled him. Although the palanquin bearers
hurriedly carried him, he couldn't bear to stay still. Seeking relief
from the heat, he stuck his head out and gazed at the sky. It seemed as
if the blazing sun was mocking him. A thought flickered through his
Once again, his wish was granted, and he transformed into the radiant
sun itself. He reveled in the joy of rising in the east, setting in the
west, and witnessing the world from above. However, those caught in the
sweltering heat began uttering vile words. Farmers cursed him for
scorching their crops, and laborers working in the daytime spared no
words in expressing their frustration. Dark clouds occasionally moved
between him and the Earth, providing respite from the heat, and he
marveled at their power to block his rays. Intrigued, he desired to
become the very embodiment of those clouds.
And so, he morphed into dark clouds, capable of sending gentle rain or
unleashing torrential downpours. He delighted in creating havoc,
flooding fertile lands and instilling panic among the people. But as he
embraced this newfound power, he realized that something or someone was
guiding his actions. It was the air itself that moved him. At that
moment, he yearned to become the air, imagining the freedom and
boundlessness it offered.
*`இருக்கறதை
விட்டுட்டு பறக்கறதுக்கு ஆசைப்படாதே!’
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