Having descended the mountain to purchase provisions from the principal village of Lu, Chen Jen met a disciple of Kung-fu-tzu named King Ching Chi along the road.
Recognizing in each other the spirit of the sage they greeted each other respectfully and turned aside to share reflections of the Tao.
“How is it, Sir,” enquired King Ching Chi, “that you hide your wisdom in the mountain meadows when the people and their rulers are in such terrible need of your instruction?”
“But surely, Sir,” replied Chen Jen, “you must understand that the Tao cannot be told!
‘Knowledge is a disease.
Teaching is a curse.
The way to Tao is not-knowing.
The path to Tao appears untrodden to the waking heart.’
Your Master seeks to transform the world from without, but this can only further enslave the heart. The heart of man will find the Flow when left to find its way. He who would impose the good will cause the wrong to rule. Have you not heard the story, Sir, of how the Marquis of Wei sought to help his subjects to build great roads and so enslaved and tamed the mighty elephants that live in the forests there? But though the roads were quickly built, the elephants soon found again their true natures and turned and trampled all those that labored there about. Thus by imposing the will of man on that which would be free, the roads were built but few were left to use them!”
“But Sir,” exclaimed King Ching Chi, “would you leave the world to its fate? Would you let disorder and unrighteousness abound unchecked?!”
“I would indeed,” replied Chen Jen. “Just as I would leave the monkeys alone to live in their trees — to do what monkeys do. But you need not fear, for the teachings of your Master, like the behaviors they would change, are also what the people and their rulers do.
But let us not debate and quibble! For nothing that we say or do is of any great consequence. What matters when all is but a morning’s mist and all our vain imaginings are but a restless dream? Let us rather transcend all caring and wander free in the land of Harmony!”
At this, a sudden change swept across the face of King Ching Chi. A look of joy and wonder overtook his visage and he laughed a laugh he had never laughed before. “Master!” he exclaimed, “I have just now seen this land and have touched the very edge of Tao! Please, I pray you, let me be your disciple and learn at your feet!”
“I see that you have indeed glimpsed the freedom of the Tao,” answered Chen Jen. “But I will be no man’s master, nor do you require one besides the Tao.”
“I understand all that you say,” replied King Ching Chi, “but surely, Sir, you would not leave me, a newborn babe, here beside the road! Let me at least accompany you and in your fellowship learn to walk and gain sustenance in Tao.”
Realizing the depth of King Ching Chi’s sincerity and the wisdom of his entreaty, Chen Jen relented and agreed to let him accompany him.
This post is part of a series. To view the index, go here.
Recognizing in each other the spirit of the sage they greeted each other respectfully and turned aside to share reflections of the Tao.
“How is it, Sir,” enquired King Ching Chi, “that you hide your wisdom in the mountain meadows when the people and their rulers are in such terrible need of your instruction?”
“But surely, Sir,” replied Chen Jen, “you must understand that the Tao cannot be told!
‘Knowledge is a disease.
Teaching is a curse.
The way to Tao is not-knowing.
The path to Tao appears untrodden to the waking heart.’
Your Master seeks to transform the world from without, but this can only further enslave the heart. The heart of man will find the Flow when left to find its way. He who would impose the good will cause the wrong to rule. Have you not heard the story, Sir, of how the Marquis of Wei sought to help his subjects to build great roads and so enslaved and tamed the mighty elephants that live in the forests there? But though the roads were quickly built, the elephants soon found again their true natures and turned and trampled all those that labored there about. Thus by imposing the will of man on that which would be free, the roads were built but few were left to use them!”
“But Sir,” exclaimed King Ching Chi, “would you leave the world to its fate? Would you let disorder and unrighteousness abound unchecked?!”
“I would indeed,” replied Chen Jen. “Just as I would leave the monkeys alone to live in their trees — to do what monkeys do. But you need not fear, for the teachings of your Master, like the behaviors they would change, are also what the people and their rulers do.
But let us not debate and quibble! For nothing that we say or do is of any great consequence. What matters when all is but a morning’s mist and all our vain imaginings are but a restless dream? Let us rather transcend all caring and wander free in the land of Harmony!”
At this, a sudden change swept across the face of King Ching Chi. A look of joy and wonder overtook his visage and he laughed a laugh he had never laughed before. “Master!” he exclaimed, “I have just now seen this land and have touched the very edge of Tao! Please, I pray you, let me be your disciple and learn at your feet!”
“I see that you have indeed glimpsed the freedom of the Tao,” answered Chen Jen. “But I will be no man’s master, nor do you require one besides the Tao.”
“I understand all that you say,” replied King Ching Chi, “but surely, Sir, you would not leave me, a newborn babe, here beside the road! Let me at least accompany you and in your fellowship learn to walk and gain sustenance in Tao.”
Realizing the depth of King Ching Chi’s sincerity and the wisdom of his entreaty, Chen Jen relented and agreed to let him accompany him.
This post is part of a series. To view the index, go here.
enjoying these :)
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