The Simple Way, Part 51

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

A despondent disciple approached Zhouzi in the courtyard and said, “Master, I have dwelt here long and know all the teaching and understand it as well, yet I cannot attain it by grace, work or play.”

“It is said that even Confucius acknowledged himself cursed to never wander free of the conventions of men,” replied Zhouzi. “Yet who among us could bring as much harmony as he?” Then looking up to the mountain, he said, “Look at the mountain, what do you see?”

“I see a forest most beautiful — ever a pleasure to me,” answered the monk.

“Go and abide there a few days, and upon your return tell me what you have seen.”

Upon his return the monk stood before Zhouzi and said, “Master, I saw that the forest is trees, the great and the small, the shapely and the twisted, the hale and the broken. Yet to the forest they are equal, for it is only just they.”

Smiling broadly, Zhouzi looked again to the mountain and said, “What do you see?”

“I see a forest most beautiful — ever a great pleasure to me!” replied the monk.

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