PureInsight | July 11, 2007
[PureInsight.org] In the book Han Fei Zi - Yu Lao, there is a story entitled "Zhao Xiang Zhu Drives a Carriage." It goes like this:
Zhao Xiang Zi (Zhao Xiang Zhu, who was the Emperor of the state of Zhao
in the Warring States period) learned how to drive a carriage from Wang
Liang and then challenged him to a driving competition. Zhao Xiang Zi
changed horses three times but still fell behind in the end. Zhao Xiang
Zi then asked Wang Liang: "You didn't teach me all the techniques, did
you?"
Wang Liang answered: "I have taught you all the driving techniques, but
you did not use them correctly. The key to driving a carriage well lies
in a horse that wants to pull and the person who concentrates on
controlling the horse. Only then can high speeds be attained and great
distances reached. However, what you thought about was how to catch up
with me quickly when you fell behind, and you worried about being
caught by me when you were ahead. In the course of a carriage driving
competition, one will be either ahead or behind. But no matter where
you were, your mind was on me. How, then, could you concentrate on
controlling the horse? That is exactly the reason you fell behind."
This story suggests that no matter what one does in the process of
working towards a set goal, one should concentrate with undivided
attention, get rid of all the interference from various thoughts, grasp
the essentials and be proficient in the necessary techniques. Only then
can one quickly reach the distant goal.
Today, during the historical process of our assisting the teacher in
Fa-rectification and saving sentient beings in order to fulfill our
prehistoric vows, we have to follow the progress of Fa-rectification,
take the Fa as teacher, understand the Fa principles well, give up all
impure thoughts, get rid of any interference and steadfastly charge
towards our goal without hesitation and doubts. We should always try
our best to concentrate and not let down sentient beings' hope in us,
to be unfailingly diligent and do the three things well
whole-heartedly, and to devote ourselves heart and soul to accomplish
the significant historical mission bestowed on us.
Translated from: http://www.zhengjian.org/zj/articles/2007/6/29/44588.html
