Go Rin No Pu-Pu
or A Book of Five Things
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Master John Inchingham |
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THING ONE: THE THING ABOUT GROUND. Ground is hard. When you hit the ground, you hurt. Therefore, strive to avoid falling down. You must remember this, so that you do not become one with the ground. THING TWO: THE THING ABOUT WATER. Water and words flow. Make the words of your mouth flow like a river. Speak as the gushing stream, so that those around you will follow the current of your thoughts and will not attempt to think for themselves. If your followers begin to drift away, tell them, “Do not look at the fish,” for they will then look at the fish and again be swept up in the torrent of your words. You must practice this and learn it well. THING THREE: THE THING ABOUT FIRE. Fire produces both heat and light. When tempers flare and argument ensues, you must shed light not heat. Be the candle that illuminates wisdom and draws the moth into its radiance. For, when the moth is close enough to see the light of your reason; then, at your leisure, you may squish it between your fingers. Study this thoroughly. Then wash your hands. THING FOUR: THE THING ABOUT WIND. If you stand on the right side of the mountain, wind blows. However, if you stand on the wrong side on the mountain, wind sucks. Life is like that. Deal with it. THING FIVE: THE THING ABOUT THE VOID. The void is nothing and it is everything. It is always before you. You cannot know what you will catch if you cast your net upon the waters. A journey to Paradise may end in Peoria. A beaver in the hand is worth a bruise on your tush. Be ambitious and content. Be humble and proud. Consume rice and saki. If you are a peacock, be the feather. If you are an eagle, attack with a dancing spirit. If you are a pelican, go fish. The rest is detail only. |
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