I Don't Grow Orchids Out of Anger

I Didn't Plant Orchids to Get Angry

The famous Tang‑dynasty Zen master Huizong often traveled far and wide to preach the Dharma. One time, before setting out, he instructed his disciples to take good care of the dozens of orchid pots in the temple. The disciples, well aware of their master's deep love for orchids, tended them with great diligence.

But one stormy night, fierce winds howled and rain poured down. In their momentary lapse, the disciples left the orchids outside. The next morning, they stared at the shattered pots and were filled with regret.

A few days later, Master Huizong returned to the temple. The disciples approached him anxiously, prepared to receive punishment. Yet the master remained calm and reassured them, saying:

“When I first planted the orchids, it wasn’t because I was angry.”

That simple, unremarkable sentence sparked a sudden enlightenment among the disciples, like a burst of fresh milk pouring over their minds…

Note: Very little historical information exists about Master Huizong; this story may be a later elaboration. It is also possible that the original tale is scattered somewhere in an ancient text.

ref :

http://xuewen.cnki.net/R2011050010002864.html

https://y.qq.com/n/yqq/song/202028061_num.html

http://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1587441677313149193

http://www.mofangge.com/html/qDetail/01/g0/201408/34t6g001228642.html

http://www.360doc.com/content/16/0503/13/31614380_555884850.shtml

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Originally written by Ping Xia (平侠) and published in Chinese on Stories. Translated and adapted for DriftSeas with permission.