The Natural Course of Events (5)

1 Shi Chengqi endured the hardship of a long journey to visit Laotse. He expected to learn Tao. It is said that seeing is believing. He felt regretful somewhat when he saw Laotse. “Is it worthy of making a long journey to visit him?” he asked to himself.

2 “But, isn’t it worthwhile if going back with nothing?”After handing in those somewhat expensive tuition and accommodation fare, and settling down, he immediately asked to see Laotse.

3 As soon as seeing him, Shi Chengqi said, “I’ve heard that you are a sage of perfect practice, so I am painstaking to come here. I have walked a hundred days and my feet have grown callus. But when I see you and hear people talking about you, I feel you don’t seem so great.

4 I discover that there is residual dish in front of a mouse hole in the corner of your house wall. It means you have abundant food. No lack. Now that you have surplus food, why not share some to your sister and let her not suffer from hunger and cold outside and alone. Do your merciless indicate that you are heartlessness?

5 Your family is rich and nothing is in shortage. Why do you go on accumulating more wealth by charging your students of such expensive tuition?”

6 Taking a look at the newcomer, Laotse said nothing. Lowering his head, Laotse went on with his business as if he didn’t hear Shi Chengqi’s complaint and censure.

7 Feeling embarrassed, Shi Chengqi had to go back to his dorm. In the early next morning, he went to see Laotse again. This time, he was calm. He apologized, “Yesterday I was tired due to long journey, so I wandered in my mind. I am very sorry for my impoliteness and impulsion. Today I recover and my heart is calm. I feel shameful. Sir, do you know why I change?”

8 Knowing he had calmed down; Laotse took the opportunity to explain. He said, “Yesterday you heard that I am a sage of achievement in practice, but I don’t flatter myself that I am a sage and dare not admit it. As for your censure, if it were true, I wouldn’t refute it because fallacious argument is guiltier. If it were not true, why should I refute it?

9 Other calls me a bull. Am I a bull? Other calls me a horse. Am I a horse? It needs facts to prove what I am. Refutation and explanation are useless, so I have ignored you.

10 I wear the clothes as I like, which is my principle. I don’t wear other useless and surplus clothes for the requirement of other or other factors.”

11 Shi Chengqi felt Laotse’s explanation was reasonable. He felt shameful for his rudeness yesterday. Forgetting to take off his shoes, he sidled up to Laotse and asked sincerely, “How to practice, Sir?”

12 Laotse didn’t change his impression on the newcomer though he regretted and apologized to Laotse. He said unreservedly, “Your look solemn but your eyes twinkle with unrest.

13 Your broad forehead shows that you are an honest guy but your mouth and words are throat-cut. They seem to rant at any time.

14 Your attitude and deed looks gentle, like a good-tamed horse whose conducts are controlled perfectly. You ponder everything to bide your time to do it.

15 You incline to play tricks in living and intend to find the way that favors you.

16 You have serious suspicions on others, never believing others easily.

17 The men like you prevail in the countryside. We call them robbers. You had better go home, I think, practicing and learning Tao doesn’t fit you.”