Alan Watts – The Story of the Chinese Farmer
Alan Watts – The Story of the Chinese Farmer
Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. All the neighbors came around to commemorate that evening, “So sorry that your horse has run away, that’s too bad.” and he said, “Maybe.”
The next day the horse came back, bringing seven wild horses with it. Everyone came around in the evening and said, “Oh isn’t that lucky, what a great turn of events, you’ve now got eight horses.” and he said, “Maybe.”
The next day his son tried to break one of the horses and ride it, but was thrown and ended up breaking his leg. They all said, “Oh dear that’s too bad.” and he said, “Maybe.”
The following day the conscription officers came around to recruit, or to force people into the army but they rejected his son because he had a broken leg. All the people came around and said, “That’s great.” and he said, “Maybe.”
Klewt Published on Aug 14, 2013 Alan Watt’s description of the tale of the Chinese farmer, in relation to ‘non-choosing’ and neutrality.
I can’t seem to get enough of Alan. Thanks so much for the audio clip. I’ve used his wonderful parable many times over the years. bob
My pleasure, was delighted to see someone made an audio clip of it.
The story comes from Taoist tradition, but always good to be reminded how transient (impermanent) things are and how perspective colors our experience.
Believe it or not the first person I heard recite the story was that crazy radio host Michael Savage!!!