A wise person once said: “If we can let go of the self and consider things from others’ perspectives, that is compassion.” Yet in today’s world, where moral values seem to be fading and society often rewards self-interest, people have grown more focused on self-protection. It’s becoming rare to find those who can truly think for the good of others.
When a person fights only for personal gain or private desire, conflict is inevitable. Ancient wisdom reminds us that “harmony brings blessings, and peace fosters prosperity.” The message is simple: we gain only when we are willing to give, and every harvest begins with letting go. By setting aside self-centered concerns, one can truly reach the serene state described in the line: “At the end of mountains and rivers where no road seems to remain, willows and blossoms reveal another spring.”
The parable of the man in the desert
Long ago, a traveler lost his way in the desert. Exhausted, starving, and near death from thirst, he stumbled on step by step until he found a small abandoned hut. In front of the hut stood a water pump, but when he tried it, not a single drop came out.
Just as despair began to take hold, he spotted an old bottle nearby. Its mouth was sealed with a wooden stopper, and a note was tied around its neck. The note read: “You must pour the water from this bottle into the pump first. Only then will the water flow. But before you leave, please refill the bottle.”
The man pulled out the stopper and found that the bottle indeed contained water. Now he faced a painful choice. If he followed the note’s instructions but the pump failed, he would surely die of thirst. But if he drank the water immediately, he might live — though anyone who came after him would have no hope left.
The courage to trust and give
He hesitated. His cracked lips and parched throat begged for the water, yet something inside urged him to take a chance. Gathering his last strength, he decided to trust the note and poured the water into the pump.
Moments later, a rush of clear, cold spring water gushed forth. He drank deeply, feeling life return to his body. After resting, he filled the bottle again, sealed it carefully, and added a few words to the note: “Please believe me — the note is true. Only when you set aside the fear of life and death can you taste the sweet spring water.”
The wisdom of letting go of the self
Letting go of the self and giving to others is more than an act of kindness — it’s a noble state of mind. When we stop clinging to ourselves, clarity naturally arises. We begin to see the truth behind illusions, and blessings follow in unexpected ways.
In life, not every act of giving brings an immediate reward. Yet only through giving can there be return. By loosening the grip of ego and thinking of others first, we discover the same truth the traveler found in the desert: only by letting go can we taste the sweetness of life’s pure spring.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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