![]() ![]() “Well, what’s the point of the story?” You ask. If it peaks your interest you can read it and others in the book, The Way of Chuang Tzu (New Directions books, 1997) compiled by Thomas Merton in the 20th century. Most likely written around 250 B.C., it is a powerful and timeless teaching that we can apply to our own experience. This is my reading of the Empty Boat story from the Taoist tradition. Still muttering under your breath, though, because you believe it would have been so much better if there had been someone there to be angry with, you go on your way. Realizing this, your fist unclenches and drops to your side. There is no one to be angry with no one to curse. It has slipped its mooring and floats without control. ![]() There is no other boatman the boat is empty. ![]() You call out for the other boatman to show himself so you can tell him a thing or two. You jump up and yell, “You stupid blankity-blank so-and-so!” You shake your fist and stamp your foot. Your anger flashes your heart pumps faster. Floating across the river in your boat, you are carefully avoiding hidden obstacles, other boats, and too shallow water when, BAM! another boat rams you. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |