The Greedy Farmer
April 13th 2007 15:37
Category: Oriental Thoughts
Long time ago, there was a very greedy farmer who had possesed more than hundreds hectares of land went to see Dalai Lama of Tibet to ask for land.
Upon his encounter with the Dalai Lama, he kneeled deeply asking for Dalai Lama's gracious blessing of Tibet vast land. "Alright, how much would you want?", the Dalai Lama asked.
"As much as you desire i would give to you, under such rules like this. Whoever comes to me will gain land as much as the land that he was able to cover with his steps while keeping on mind that he must get back to me before sunset. Failing to return back on time means he shall return home empty handed.
On the designated day, the farmer started his steps with running fast with might to cover as much as he could possibly cover. On the first stop,he didnt realize that he had covered five mountains,but seeing at bigger mountains ahead,his heart became more tempted to acquire them.On the second stop,he thought a bit,"I shouldn't be too greedy,but big mountains ahead of me,i shouldnt waste them."
So it went that same way that the more mountains he covered,the bigger mountains was laid before him, By the time he remembered the rules,with heavy heart he had to return his way home. He tirelessly looked back on the mountain treasures he went past.
With his messy breath, "No,not..not..not..much! Still..still...not enough!" Not a split second he was going to continue his words, had his spirit left his body.
***
Being content with just enough prevents extremes. Know when you have enough and there is less to lose. Know when to stop and there is less danger.
TaoTeChing(44)
The wise understands when enough is enough.
Being content with just enough prevents extremes. Know when you have enough and there is less to lose. Know when to stop and there is less danger.
TaoTeChing(44)
The wise understands when enough is enough.
Source: Zen dan Cangkir Teh
Image source: Bailiwick
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