Yao was seeing the sights at Hua when the border guard of Hua said, "Aha - a sage! I beg to offer up prayers for the sage. They will bring the sage long life!"Go here to read the introductory post to the chapters of the Book of Chuang Tzu.
Yao said, "No, thanks."
"They - will bring the sage riches!"
Yao said, "No, thanks."
"They will bring the sage many sons!"
Yao said, "No, thanks."
"Long life, riches, many sons - these are what all men desire!" said the border guard. "How is it that you alone do not desire them?"
Yao said, "Many sons mean many fears. Riches mean many troubles. Long life means many shames. These three are of no use in nourishing Virtue - therefore I decline them."
~ Burton Watson translation via Terebess Asia Online ~
Monday, March 14, 2011
Chapter 12, Part 6A - Chuang Tzu
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