The Simple Way, Part 14

The Simple Way
The Life & Teachings of Zhouzi
by Scott Bradley

On another occasion, two disputatious scholars came to the hall and questioned Zhouzi closely regarding his teachings. Unable to discover anything of definite content, one exclaimed, “But you have no teaching at all!”

“It is as you say,” replied Zhouzi. “But since it is content you seek, listen carefully, it comes from without.”

Into the ensuing silence came the bickering of magpies.

“We have birds enough in our own country; we need not have come here to hear them!” exclaimed one of the scholars.

“I am sure that you have and bickering, too,” answered Zhouzi. “But I would not have you return empty-handed, so here is a teaching to grasp with your minds — whether magpie or scholar, master or disciple, Reality is one. And, as a sage has told us, our words are no different than the chirping of birds.”

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