In this book, Chuang Tzu also tells another story about a man who was crippled and hunchbacked, yet many people came to learn from him. Some women even said, “I would rather be His concubine than the official wife of some nobleman.” And when men met Him, they wanted to become His lifelong friends. They were willing to leave their families just to live with Him and be His companions. Because He had attained enlightenment – He was a true Master, not someone who relied on outward appearance to charm others. Many enlightened Masters are not beautiful or handsome, some are old and wrinkled, yet countless people still love and follow Them with devotion. Follow what exactly? It’s the inner Beauty of that person, the invisible attraction They carry within, the oneness with Their True Nature. That’s what draws people to Them. […]
We don’t need to be flashy, because true beauty comes from within. When we feel complete inside, that’s what it means to be a genuine spiritual practitioner. Otherwise, even if we dress simply, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are truly cultivated. And whether we have money or not, that does not necessarily bring us happiness. You should think of a way to make everything balanced. […] So we find ways to manage our lives without being slaves to material things. That way, we have time to practice spiritually, and our mind stays peaceful, as we don’t compare ourselves to those who seem wealthier or happier. In this way, our heart feels very joyful and peaceful wherever we live. […]
Now, back to that man. His back was hunched, his head bent down toward his stomach, and his spine curved upward toward the sky like that. Yet, he could still make a living for himself, support ten other people, and do small odd jobs here and there. So, as ordinary people, we cannot use any excuse to say, “I don’t know how to work” or “There’s nothing I can do.” There are always things we can do if we try to find a way or ask around. […]
