Water that is too pure holds no fish; even the finest jade has its flaws. Why demand perfection? We often cling to what we have lost or have yet to gain, forgetting the value of what we already possess. Too many desires only lead us astray—letting go of the present may bring regret, for the next choice might not be better. Sometimes, learning to compromise and embrace imperfection opens the door to deeper peace.
A simple life—waking to tea, eating when hungry, watching clouds drift by—holds quiet wisdom. Those who judge the world harshly often lack the grace to accept others. True nobility lies in tolerance and humility, like jade, warm and unassuming.
Consider the deer whose friends ate all the grass while visiting him in illness. He recovered, only to starve. Too many fair-weather companions can do more harm than good. Life is short. Instead of chasing illusions, cherish what you have now. The rarest treasure is not in the past or future—it is here, in this very moment.