After careful contemplation, the Zen Master knew the best placement for the last stone in his rock garden.
After lifting the heavy stone and walking to the point he noticed
a small turtle standing on the exact spot.
And so the Master waited patiently.
... As did the turtle.
Finally his student came into the garden to inquire of the Master
Why he had been holding such a large stone for over an hour.
"Master, are you thinking of a new place to put your stone?"
"No, I already know where the stone will go"
"Where?"
"Where this turtle now stands"
"Master, will you crush the turtle?"
"Please don't be an idiot"
"But Master, the turtle does not want to move"
"It is such a beautiful spot"
"Master, what will you do?"
"Isn't it clear what should be done? I am going to put this stone down close to where it should go, move the turtle, and then correct the stone later"
"But Master, why have you not done that?"
"I am contemplating the best placement for the turtle"
Dec 30, 2010
Dec 30, 2010 at 8:25 PM UTC
After careful contemplation, the Zen Master knew the best placement for the last stone in his rock garden.
After lifting the heavy stone and walking to the point he noticed
a small turtle standing on the exact spot.
And so the Master waited patiently.
... As did the turtle.
Finally his student came into the garden to inquire of the Master
Why he had been holding such a large stone for over an hour.
"Master, are you thinking of a new place to put your stone?"
"No, I already know where the stone will go"
"Where?"
"Where this turtle now stands"
"Master, will you crush the turtle?"
"Please don't be an idiot"
"But Master, the turtle does not want to move"
"It is such a beautiful spot"
"Master, what will you do?"
"Isn't it clear what should be done? I am going to put this stone down close to where it should go, move the turtle, and then correct the stone later"
"But Master, why have you not done that?"
"I am contemplating the best placement for the turtle"
When we make a decision that is best for us, it will involve other people and may force unwanted changes to their lives.
It does not have to be a choice between inaction and disregard.
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