The Old Man in the River: A Parable of the Tao

The Great Philosopher Kong Fu Zi (Confucious) walked with one of his advisers upon a path beside a Great River. The Water was swift, deep, and it foamed and boiled at the base of large Rocks.

The two were deep in conversation when the adviser's face turned suddenly pale, and he pointed out to the River. Turning to look, Kong Fu Zi was alarmed to see an Old Man floating quickly down stream, right in the middle of the Hurtling Flood!

Quickly -- being a compassionate man of great character -- Kong Fu Zi ran towards the River. He fetched a long Branch as he hurried towards the shore, where he climbed atop a great Rock which overhung the frothing white Water. Kong Fu Zi thrust the long Branch at the Ancient looking Man; but the oldster simply waved at him as one might at a friend on the road, a gleeful smile beaming from his face!

Again, Kong Fu Zi ran down the shoreline till he came to another overhanging place, and again he offered the Branch to the floating man...and, again, the Old Man simply smiled, and waved.

And now it was too late: The water came to a great Fall, and they saw -- for the briefest of moments -- the silhouette of the Old Man as he flew a bit out into space...and then plummeted out of sight.

Kong Fu Zi and his adviser went down the hill in a somber manner, seeking to find the Old Man's body that he might at least receive a proper interment.

As they came into view of the Pool at the base of the falls, however, they saw -- to their surprise -- the Old Man joyously sporting in the Water. He was making great splashes, and sucking in Water to act like a spout! Such a wonderful time he appeared to be having!

The two would-be rescuers came slowly to the shore, bewildered by what they saw, and cautious now. Surely this Old Man was a great Wizard to have traversed in safety a River so mighty...and still have the energy to sport about in such a childish manner!

Or perhaps the Old Man was simply insane, Kong Fu Zi reasoned.

"Sir!" Kong Fu Zi called after a few moments, "Sir! Please, are you well?"

"Well indeed, brother!" The Old Man called. He splashed at a young robin, laughing at the noises of protest as the fledgling flew away.

"Such a strong River, sir...you are lucky to be alive!" Kong Fu Zi called back, "Why didn't you take my Branch when I offered to save you? There are many Rocks in the River, and swift is the Stream!"

The Old Man laughed so uproariously that Kong Fu Zi had to spend great effort to not smile himself as he watched the Old Man slap his knee and double over, tears of mirth forming in his eyes. Finally, when his laughter had subsided some, the Old Man called back, and in his voice was a Song:

"Ah, yes, in Truth it is so:
But where the Rocks are, the Water knows...
just trust in It
and follow where It flows!"

Namaste.