Wise Words

Wise Words

In the month of May, in a meadow full of flowers, seven disciples gathered around Master Zhao Cong. They sat in a circle and adjusted their orange robes as they waited for their venerable master to speak.

Old Master Zhao Cong surveyed the group, his eyes darting like a wild fawn as it rested on each disciple. He noted their bright youthful eyes as they sat in the sun. He coughed and cleared his throat. Then he began to speak:

"My beloved disciples. You have come before me on this beautiful day to learn wisdom at my feet. Ask what you will."

One of the disciples, Wu Yang, a young boy of twelve, spoke:

"Master, teach us about happiness. How does one find it?"

The Master smiled at Wu Yang. Despite his youth, Wu Yang was a bright lad, full of wonder for the world around him. He had high hopes for this boy. Again he surveyed his disciples, studying their faces in the early morning sunlight. Satisfied, he grunted and resumed his speech.

"My disciples, if you seek the path to happiness, you must listen and reflect on my words. Listen closely..."

And he recited a poem to them:

rain falls

on the rice paddy

spring sunlight

With their eyes closed and their brows furrowed, the disciples meditated on the Master's words. Silence filled the air as they sank into deep thought.

Finally, after a suitable time of reflection, the Master called on them.

"Does anyone know the secret to this poem? Speak and share your thoughts with us."

A little squeak came from Wu Yang as he fidgeted on the grass.

"I think I do Master." he said. "The poem is a riddle. To find happiness in an imperfect world, we must look for the gifts from nature--and be content with them. That is true happiness."

The Master grunted and nodded his head in satisfaction. "Those are indeed wise words from one so young. You have learned well, Wu Yang." he smiled.

The Master then turned to the other disciples. "Go now, and remember what you have learned today. Let this knowledge flow within you and become part of you. Only then will you find peace in your hearts."

With a blessing, he dismissed them.