The Turtle In The Mud-Pool

By Staff

Thursday, August 20, 2009, 12:08

The fragrance of Chuang Tzu's wisdom had reached the emperor who wished to make him his counsellor. He hence ordered his soldiers to seek him out and be brought to the palace.

The emperor's soldiers after a hard search, came upon the master sitting under the shade of a tree. They reported to him of the king's command.

The master in reply said, "There was once a turtle who was happy in its muddy pool until one day it was captured by the king's men to be sacrificed in the palace. Now tell me men, though it was a great honour, don't you think he might have been happier in his own little muddy pool?"

"Of course, yes", said the soldiers.

The wise one then said, "Then leave me to be in my pool of mud and begone !"