The mountains quieted as the sun set and birds returned to their nests. Suddenly, a young man, his face contorted with anger, charged up a high hillside, shouting as if to release his pent-up life’s frustrations.
The plight of the young man
His outburst disturbed a Zen master meditating nearby. With a serene expression, the elderly master approached the young man, offering a warm smile before striking up a conversation. Throughout their talk, the master listened intently, his eyes twinkling with kindness. The young man had left a remote town to make his way in a bustling city. After years of struggle, he worked his way up to a mid-level managerial position and had a girlfriend of several years.
However, his world was crumbling. His boss was about to fire him for various reasons, and he was training his replacement. Each day at the office was becoming unbearable. To make matters worse, knowing he would soon be jobless, his girlfriend decided to leave him. Her reason was simple: she couldn’t envision a future where he couldn’t provide a stable, affluent life for their future children.
“I’ve been with my boss for eight whole years! Just like that, he’s letting me go! And my girlfriend — when she first came to this city, she was all alone. I found her a job, looked after her with all my heart, and now, when I need her the most, she’s leaving me!” the young man exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion, eyes blazing with anger. The elderly master gently patted his shoulder and then took his hand, leading him on a walk along the mountain path.
A walk with wisdom
The cool mountain breeze gradually calmed the young man’s restless heart. As they walked, the master stopped to catch a drifting willow fluff, which playfully escaped his grasp every time. The young man watched, puzzled. “Ha, I’m too old to catch these anymore,” the master chuckled.
Then, looking the young man in the eyes, he shared: “Not all the beauty and wonder in the world can be grasped. Since we can’t hold on to everything, why not send them off on their journey, allowing them to live freely and gracefully, while we find peace and acceptance in letting go?” With a slight lift of his hand, the master released the willow fluff, which danced away beautifully under the blue sky. After hearing this, the young man stood silently for a long moment before smiling serenely, bowing deeply to the master, and descending the mountain.
The transformation
The young man returned to the city with a new outlook. He dedicated himself to training his replacement with such diligence that his boss, moved by his commitment, expressed regret and offered friendship and future support. The young man left the company with his head held high, respected and admired by his colleagues.
Even in his final farewell to his girlfriend, he showed kindness by gifting her a herbal treatment for her fibromyalgia. His actions, born from a place of compassion and detachment, left a lasting impression.
Living by a new principle
In the following days, the young man lived by a simple principle: Cherish what can be held and gracefully let go of what cannot. This mindset earned him respect and brought unexpected help and opportunities, gradually lifting him out of his predicament.
Eventually, he sought out the monastery where the Zen master lived, wanting to thank him personally. However, he was stunned to learn that the master had passed away the day after their meeting. The master had been in great pain, but chose to live his last moments with optimism and a smile.
The essence of life
The young man realized that the Zen master, in his final act, had imparted a profound lesson. Even when life is slipping through your fingers, you can still extend a helping hand to others. The true meaning of life lies in living with strength, optimism, and an open heart.
The Zen master’s life and teachings remind us that when we cannot hold onto something, we can still send it off gracefully. This story resonates deeply in a world that often feels out of control, especially for those feeling the pressures of modern life. It’s a reminder that while you cannot predict every turn, you can choose how you respond — with resilience, kindness, and a smile.
In the face of life’s inevitable challenges, you can find solace in the wisdom of letting go. As you navigate your path, may you remember to send off what you cannot keep with grace, and in doing so, find your way to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Translated article
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