Tian Zifang (1)

1 Tian Zifang worked for Marquis Wen of Wei. When they discussed the state affairs, Tian Zifang often mentioned a man called Xigong.

2 Someday, the marquis asked curiously, “Is Xigong your teacher? I often hear this name from you and you often adopt his views to confirm what you said.”

3 Tian Zifang said, “No! He is not my teacher but my fellow townsman. His knowledge is profound; his thinking is logistic. Therefore, I adopt what he said to confirm my views.”

4 The marquis asked, “So, you teach yourself?”

5 “No. I am not able to learn by myself. Actually, I have teacher.” Tian Zifang replied.

6 “Who is your teacher?” asked the marquis.

7 Tian Zifang said, “Dongguo Shunzi.”

8 The marquis asked again, “Dongguo Shunzi? I never heard you mention him.”

9 Tidying up his clothes, he stood up and said, “My teacher is a man of perfect practice. Though he still has the looks of man, he actually has reached the highest level of practice, and has no much difference as the god. He shines completely with self-nature, Buddha-nature, Qi, calmness and refinement. The five coverings which usually are the hurdles in practice, such as avarice, wrath, dullness, agitation and doubt, can’t cumber him. Fame and wealth are his slaves to serve and assist him so as to fulfill his practice.

10 The world of material is the source of bitterness, which he has fully comprehended. Therefore, he is not interested in worldly affair any more. This is why I seldom mentioned him when we talk about the state affairs.”

11 Off duty, the marquis thought over Tian Zifang’s description of his teacher, saying nothing all day. Finally, he managed to comprehend it somewhat. He called in the ministers who serve in his palace. He told them, “We are far away from the man of perfect practice.

12 Before this I always canonized benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and credit as the highest moral criteria. After I heard what Tian Zifang described about his teacher, I found that in this world of material, our deeds and intentions are so childish and ignorant. The great our ambition is, the more our confusion and sufferings are.

13 All people are unwarily led by the desires of material. Thinking this, I am discouraged in carrying out the Five-Year Plan anymore. I lost my interest in the discussion and the dispute about trivia for right and wrong.

14 Now I know that what I learned are rough and fragile in proof. Wei, my country, is the source of my worry. It cumbers the way of my practice to the higher level. Alas! What can I do?”