Zen Stories # 4 - The nature of things

Two monks were washing their bowls in the river when they noticed a scorpion that was drowning.

One monk immediately scooped it up and set it upon the bank.

In the process he was stung by the scorpion.

He went back to washing his bowl and again the scorpion fell in.

The monk saved the scorpion and was again stung.

The other monk asked him, "Friend, why do you continue to save the scorpion when you know it's nature is to sting?"

"Because," the monk replied, "to sting is the scorpion's nature, but to save it is my nature."

Zen principle: Whatever happens around you, never lose your own nature and character.

No Overpowering

Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another, or demands too much.

People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage.

Actually, this is not the case.

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that "It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person's character."

It is not easy to change.

Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.

It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations.

Be the change!