Encephalon Posted January 21, 2010 SKILLS Zither, chess, book, painting, sword. These symbolize classical skill. There was once a wanderer who cared nothing for fame. Although he had many chances for position, he continued to search for teachers who could help him master five things : zither, chess, book, painting, and sword. The zither gave him music, which expressed the soul. Chess cultivated strategy and a response to the actions of another. Books gave him academic education. Painting was the exercise of beauty and sensitivity. Sword was a means for health and defense. One day a little boy asked the wanderer what he would do if he lost his five things. At first the wanderer was frightened, but he soon realized that his zither could not play itself, the chess board was nothing without players, a book needed a reader, brush and ink could not move on their own accord, and a sword could not be unsheathed without a hand. He realized that his cultivation was not merely for the acquisition of skills. It was a path to the innermost part of his being. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Encephalon Posted January 21, 2010 What would be a five point skills list for the 21st century? Choose carefully. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tao99 Posted January 21, 2010 SKILLS One day a little boy asked the wanderer what he would do if he lost his five things. At first the wanderer was frightened, but he soon realized that his zither could not play itself, the chess board was nothing without players, a book needed a reader, brush and ink could not move on their own accord, and a sword could not be unsheathed without a hand. He realized that his cultivation was not merely for the acquisition of skills. It was a path to the innermost part of his being. Lot of food for thought jammed in this one. He may be just an I-less, impermanent, self-less, mind stream but it's true the zither will just lie there ... without THAT, whatever it is. The book will remain closed, the brush unmoved, his sword unsheathed, without THAT, whatever it is. A path to the innermost part of his being indeed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted January 21, 2010 Yes. But it was the learning of these five skills that allowed the aimless one to realize his Self. The objects themselves were not of all that great importance. It is the skills attained through the interaction with these 'things' that allow him to find his inner Self. So, in todays world, I would suggest that it really doesn't matter what skills one wishes to attain because just the simple interaction with other people and things will present information regarding one's Self. There does need to be, IMO, a bit of variety though because if we concentrate on only one major aspect of life that is all we will learn about oru Self. Peace & Love! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
