Sometimes, we discover that apparent wins and losses are not what they seem. What appears to be a victory may be a profound defeat.
Saving a life
One cool summer’s day, a monk climbed a mountain to gather some firewood. On his descent, he encountered a young boy holding a butterfly tightly. Spotting the monk, the boy proposed a wager: “Master, shall we bet on something?” When the monk inquired what they would be betting on, the boy explained: “Bet on guessing whether the butterfly in my hand is dead or alive. If you guess wrong, the bundle of firewood on your back will be mine.”
The monk agreed and guessed: “I think the butterfly in your hand is dead.” The boy burst into laughter, opened his hand, and let the butterfly fly away. Feeling pleased with himself and happy about his good fortune, the boy joyously carried the firewood home.
Upon arriving home, the boy’s father inquired about the origin of the firewood. After hearing the story, the father, far from being pleased, sternly chastised his son: “Do you think you won?” he chided. “You’ve lost so thoroughly, and you don’t even realize it!” He ordered his son to return the wood to the monk.
Father and son set off to locate the temple and find the monk. When they arrived, the father sincerely apologized to the monk: “Master, my son has offended you. Please forgive us.” The monk smiled without saying a word. The boy set down the firewood and left with his father.
A lesson learned
On their way back, a puzzled boy expressed his confusion: “Father, I don’t understand. What did I do wrong?” The father sighed and explained: “Ah! Do you think the monk didn’t know what you were up to? If he had guessed the butterfly was alive, you would have crushed it; if he guessed it was dead, you would have let it go. No matter what, you were going to win the firewood. But while he lost a bundle of firewood, he manifested his compassion and saved a life!”
“My son,” the father continued, his voice gentle yet firm, “sometimes, the true meaning of our actions and their consequences are not immediately apparent. The monk’s compassion transcended the mere exchange of firewood. By allowing you to keep the bundle, he demonstrated the power of kindness and empathy.”
The boy furrowed his brow, trying to grasp the depth of his father’s words. “But what about the butterfly?” he asked, his thoughts drifting back to the delicate creature that had sparked the wager.
“Ah, the butterfly,” he murmured, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. “In its fragile beauty lies a profound lesson. Just as the monk saved its life by refusing to play along with your game, so did he teach us the value of every living being, no matter how small.”
The boy finally understood. He hung his head in shame and felt deep remorse.
“Remember, my son,” the father whispered, “compassion is not just a virtue; it is the essence of our humanity. In a world often blinded by ambition and greed, the guiding light leads us towards greater understanding and empathy.”
Wins and losses
In our daily lives, our hearts are often swayed by wins and losses. Sometimes, what we think is a victory might be a greater loss. In pursuit of fame, fortune, or power, some people do not hesitate to engage in deceit and manipulation. Ultimately, they might achieve what they desire, but at what cost? They may lose relationships, love, health, or even life itself — isn’t that a loss too great?
Ultimately, it was not the firewood that mattered but the transformative journey of the heart — a journey guided by compassion, integrity, and the profound interconnectedness of all life. And so, the tale of the monk, the boy, and the butterfly became not just a story but a timeless parable of the human spirit, demonstrating the power of kindness to transcend even the darkest of shadows.
The nature of the world is temporary; let’s not place too much importance on winning or losing. Instead, we should live honorably without losing our true selves for profit or compromising our moral character for the sake of power. Let us strive to be magnanimous, one who can stand tall with a clear conscience under heaven and earth.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
