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Philosophy and Fables from the East:

On how to seek the Truth..

This page contains an interesting fable and philosophy from the east that shows how one must seek the truth of things for oneself..

The Master and student walked by a stream on a fine spring morning.

"Young one," said the Master, "I wish to cross this stream - Which is the easiest way?..."

A small distance ahead of them, a wooden bridge spanned the stream. The student pointed at it, "There is a bridge, he said."

"Ahh," said the Master, "But I have heard of this bridge, it is very old and frail, and will not support our weight."

Then the student walked to the edge of the stream and looked down into it. "It is not deep, my Master," he said, "Perhaps we may wade across."

"Ah, my son," said his teacher, "But I have heard of this place - there is a hidden fault, a quicksand in this stream. If we try to wade across we may sink into it and drown."

The student bowed his head, "Then we cannot cross at all."

For an answer, the Master calmly walked across the bridge and called to the student from the other side.

The student crossed also, "The bridge did not break," he said.

The Master smiled...

"Yes, it is a very sturdy bridge," he said, "What I told you about it does not happen to be true, just as some of all that people tell you will not be true..."

"Learn from others, my son, but always seek the truth for YOURSELF."