Formosa Neijia

For all of us who are “doing everything all wrong”:

A highly respected Monk and Scholar heard rumors of an “enlightened” hermit teaching in a rural and isolated part of China. Curious to meet this man the Scholarly Monk traveled many days, finally crossing a beautiful lake to where the hermit lived. By the shore sat the hermit, deep in meditation chanting in a language the scholar thought vaguely familiar, but couldn’t quite understand. At last the Scholar realized that the foreign words the hermit spoke were not of another language, but the gross mispronunciation of a holy chant also used in his temple. Upon completion of the hermit’s meditation the Scholar introduced himself then proceeded to instruct the hermit on the precise way to chant properly.

Later, having dined and learned all he felt he needed, the Scholar Monk returned to his boat and began to row out into the lake. “This hermit is no “enlightened” teacher,” thought the Scholar. However, at this time a movement caught his eye from the direction of the shore. There, walking on the water towards the boat was the hermit.

“Please forgive me,” said the hermit bowing. “But I forgot to thank-you for your lesson.”

At which point he turned around and walked back the way he came.