Zhi Travels North (9)

1 The minister of war hired a forger especially to make sword for him. The forger was in his eighties; however, he had not lost a hair's-breadth of his ability in making sword.

2 Someday, the Minister of war asked him, “Your swords are so good. How do you make them?”

3 The old forger replied, “Nothing special. Just focus my mind on it.

4 When I was twenty, I started to learn the skill of forging sword. Since then I disregarding other things, but devote myself to study how to make perfect sword.

5 I do not like some other people who divide their time and energy into many sectors. They study Chemistry in the morning; study Politics in the afternoon; and take part in religious activities in the evening.

6 Except dinner and sleep, I devote all my time in studying how to make of perfect sword. So, others work eight hours a day while I work sixteen hours. Even in the dream, I think over the method of improvement.

7 I have devoted all my time and energy to it, by which I certainly make them well. Therefore, my success is no more than devotion of mind, nothing else.”