A horse once refused to share a donkey’s burden. When the donkey collapsed from exhaustion, the horse had to carry not only the entire load, but also the donkey’s hide. By avoiding a small share, it ended up bearing far more.
A monk, charmed by a blooming flower, moved it into a pot inside his room. Within days, it withered. To possess is often to lose.
Master Nisshin said: “Life has only three days—yesterday’s confusion, tomorrow’s waiting, and today’s reality. Live fully in each minute, and your life will be beautiful.”
A pine tree once boasted to a thorn bush: “I can be made into beams and boats.” The thorn replied: “But the axe is waiting for you.” The master sighed: A simple, uneventful life is not without its blessings.
A philosopher asked the Buddha: “Can you show me truth without words?” The Buddha remained silent. The philosopher understood: “Your compassion has led me to the path.” The Buddha replied: “A good horse runs even at the shadow of the whip.”
True wisdom often speaks without a sound.