Tree on Hill (2)

1 Traveled back, Shinan Yiliao called on the Duke of Lu for talking about the experiences he had on the way.

2 When talking, the duke was rather sullen and seemed not interested in his experience. Shinan Yiliao detected the duke’s mood and asked, “During the period when I was absent, what upset you? Why are you sullen?”

3 The duke said, “Since childhood, I have learned the governance of the ancient kings. I always imitate their governance in any great decision. I never neglect the sacrifice to the heaven and god in all seasons. I often consult the sage in my country and adopt their suggestions. I am discreet in handling state affairs. However, there still are so many problems in our society and people are dissatisfied somewhat with my governance. What should I do on earth? I am totally confused, so I feel sad for it.”

4 Patting a pat, Shinan Yiliao signed, “Alas! I see. As a king, you have to handle so many state affairs. It is hard to make everyone satisfied and to do everything right.

5 You may notice the behaviors of fox and leopard. They hide in the caves of deep mountains. Usually they are quiet. Hide in the caves during day time and come out only at night. They are afraid of being preyed by the tiger or human. Though they are very hungry and thirsty, they have to search for food in a remote and obsolete place. Fox and leopard are very prudent but still can’t prevent from being preyed by the hunter. Who do they offend on earth? Who do they provoke? Why are they treated so? In fact, it is their beautiful and warm hide brings the disasters to them.

6 Today, you sit on the throne of the State of Lu. The throne to you is as the hide to the fox and leopard. Many career men and the big powers around your country are ready to usurp your position at any time. Therefore, you feel unsafe.

7 If you want to be free from upset, the only way is to give up the persistence of the throne. You should always keep in mind that: If people ask me to be the emperor, then I will do my best to make the job done. If people think what I have done is worse and some one is able to replace me, I am sure to demise, not lingering even one minute.

8 If you can do this, you are fearless and free from the nightmare.

9 There is a country called Jiande in the remote South Yue. People in this country mostly are pure and frank. They would like to share their things with others. Working in day and sleeping at night, people here are lived in a very simple life. They don’t think much and have little ambitions to fulfill.

10 They quench their hunger by picking fruit and wild vegetable, as well as hunting. They never pick extra fruit and wild vegetable and hunt redundant animal for the rainy days. When they harvest a little, they share it with others. Others eat their food or use their tools; they don’t expect them to pay it back later. They don’t know what righteousness is and what attitude of etiquette is. They just do by instinct what they should do.

11 From their behaviors, people may think they are uncivilized, they are out of benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and credit; but actually, their life styles are perfectly following the nature of Tao. Hence, their life is joyful and their death is peaceful. They never have the problem that upset you all days. If you really wanted to live in a smooth and comfortable life, I suggest that you would demise the throne and throw off the stiff doctrines of benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and credit. In short, go back to the nature of Tao is the only solution you can find.”

12 The duke said, “What a remote place is South Yue! The road to there is difficult and dangerous for there are many high mountains and steep ridge. How can I go there without a good vehicle! ”

13 Smiling, Shinan Yiliao said, “If you would like to give up the parade around you, the dignity as well as the luxury palaces that is shown to others and the group of family members, a small carriage is easy to get.”

14 The duke asked again, “The road to South Yue is winding and very remote. There is few town or village along the road. Who would accompany me? If I only take a small carriage, it can’t carry enough food. What I eat if I run out of the stuff. If hungry, I can’t go, how can I reach there?”

15 Shinan Yiliao said, “As long as you can live in a simple and plain life, you can do it. In this kind of life you don’t need the good food, clothes and house. If you are not choosy in simple travel, you will not starve even without carrying food.

16 The key is whether you can make the decision. Once you hit the road, for example, by taking a journey on sea. When your ship goes far, the dock and high cliff on the bank are out of sight, and then your attendants, friends and relatives will go back themselves. Since then, you are free.

17 As you know, the social relation is one of the biggest cumbrances. People’s most time and energy are spent in handling the entangled affairs.

18 Another thing worrying us is the wealth. Parking a new-bought car at night forever is our headache. There is guard on the gate of rich man’s house; there is iron burglarproof frame installed on the windows. All those measures are for preventing from burglar. Hence, the valuable things we prefer, to the contrary are the source of worry.

19 Yao strived for trimming and streamlining his government. Nothing valuable was kept with him. I wish that you could understand it and then you could sweep off all your cumbrances and worry. After this, you may stay with the nature of Tao, roaming in the broad realm of perfect freedom.

20 It is supposed that you are crossing a river in a boat, and an empty boat suddenly come oppositely to collide with your boat. Even a man of very bad temper is not angry at it because there is no object being against to.

21 On the contrary, if there is person in the boat, you are sure to shout to warn him. “Go away. Don’t bump me.” If the first shout makes no response, you must shout again. If the second shout still makes no response, you can’t help but shout in a rage. “Are you blind? Hurry away!”

22 The difference between the former and the latter is the object to be vented. The latter has it while the former has no. For this reason, we said, an object is one of the conditions which makes people angry.

23 If we lower our dignity and stance and eclipsed ourselves somewhat, who will trouble you in this world and how would you feel sullen all days?”