a thought piece

PERFECTION


Le-san recalled the master’s words but never fully understood. “Seek the middle path,” his master had instructed him. China was changing, embracing many of the west’s customs that Le-san’s ancestors had condemned. For a simple fisherman like Le-san, the changes were not welcome. He lived his life by the principals that the Buddha had taught his grandfather and his father before him.

Today, Le-san was troubled. The local market that purchased his catch had lowered their pricing scale to accommodate their western buyers. It meant longer hours away from his home if he was going to provide for his family. He parked his truck by the side of the road and went into the temple to meditate. Le-san lit a candle by the statue of the Buddha and recalled his grandfather’s words. “Always hold true the Buddha’s message that he was only a man seeking the path to the truth. If you lead a good life, your road will take you to enlightenment and one day you will reach nirvana.”

Le-san smiled as he remembered his grandfather’s wisdom. His mind drifted in the temple as the odors of varied incenses filled the small room. When Le-san opened his eyes he was at the feet of the first Buddha at Deer Park.

“You are troubled, Le-san,” the Buddha said.

“I seek the middle path to enlightenment,” Le-san answered. The Buddha stepped closer to him and placed his hand on Le-san’s shoulder. Then the Buddha laughed a deep hearty laugh.

“How can a man seek what they already possess,” the Buddha asked? Le-san felt his problems drifting away like candle wax being melted by a flame. He had found his perfection, his nirvana within himself and at last understood the middle path