There was once roadside vendor
who sold rheumatism formulas to the passersby. He was a cheery old man
who was faithfully at his spot for years. One day a young bully begin
to harass the vendor. The old man tried very heard to avoid the
confrontation, but eventually the bully because convinced that he had a
coward to abuse as he pleased. When the moment of attack came, the old
man defeated him with superior boxing skills. Significantly, the old
man was never seen gain. He had manifested his superiority at a
critical moment, but once he had exposed himself, he disappeared.
In this competitive world, it is
best to be invisible. Go through life without showing off, attracting
attention to yourself, or making flamboyant gestures. These will only
attract the hostility of others. The wise accomplish all that
they want without amusing the envy or scorn of others. They make
achievements only for the sake of fulfilling their inner yearnings.
Yet it is inevitable that you will
have to prove yourself at one time or another. When that is necessary,
then you must marshal all your skills and do your very best. Prove
yourself when it is demanded, and when you must prove yourself, be
superior. At that moment, it is no time to talk of philosophy and
humility. Act. Do. Then fade back into invisibility.
invisibility
from the book
365 Tao
Daily Meditations
by Deng Ming-Dao
ISBN: 0.06.250223.9
"Bufous Boofose Golly"
© 2007 lisbethwest
hiding behind the
elizabeth ann kibben
memorial garden
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