Good Or Bad

Human beings are always fighting with one another about who is right, or who is wrong; what is good, or what is bad and so on. The important thing is that people should take responsibility for their own actions and not harm themselves or others. They should not concern themselves with issues of right and wrong or good and bad. They should just leave it alone. There is a Zen story, which illustrates this well. Here is the story:

In a certain Zen temple there were two Zen students, who were going to meditate in the hall. Along the way to the hall, they saw trees and argued with each other about the trees. One remarked, “Why is that tree so green?” The other remarked, “But why is this tree dry?” And then an argument arose between them. It was about which of the trees was better, the greener one or the dry one. They could not agree with each other, so when they entered the hall, they approached the Master and asked him which of the trees was better. The Master asked them back, “Which one do you both think is good, then?” They started arguing with each other again. One said, “The green tree is better” and the other said, “The dry tree is better.”

By coincidence, a novice entered into the hall. The Master asked the novice the same question. The novice replied, “We should not be bothered about such issues. Just leave it.” The Master said, “That is right answer. We should not be bothering ourselves with this. Everything has cause and effect. Whatever, we see, hear and think, has its cause and effect. We must learn from the cause and effect of all things.” He went on and added, “You both should not divide things into two: good or bad, satisfactory or better. Instead you should learn from all things, you should learn to integrate everything. Separation will stop your progress in learning and practice.” The two monks realized that what was being expressed was right and said sorry to the Master and thanked the novice for giving them the light of wisdom.

Yes, it is absolutely true that separation stops our progress in learning and practice. We should open our eyes to see things equally and open our mind to learn from all things. This way is a great path to learn how to cultivate peace, concentration and wisdom to support our way of living. Life will not be complicated if we are on the right path. Are you on the right path?