The Simple Way, Part 27

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

When an elder monk found Zhouzi cleaning the privies he exclaimed, “Master, this is no work for you! Surely we can find another who might profit therefrom!”

“I punished a monk for punishing himself and I can now see no difference between he and I,” replied Zhouzi.

“But Master,” reasoned the monk, “you punished to teach, and the lesson was learned; but to punish yourself now is to repeat his mistake.”

At this Zhouzi burst into laughter and said, “I punish myself that fairness be done, but I confess I find pleasure in playing the fool. Yet the truest fool believes he is not. But with whom would you replace me, for I can think of no one.”

“Master, leave it to me, for I have someone in mind,” replied the monk.

The following day the elder monk began cleaning the privies. It was not long, however, before a novice monk had someone else in mind.

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