Points to Ponder: When our minds prioritize others’ peace and happiness, the one who benefits is not just others, but ourselves too.
Story Line: This short story is an excellent example on mindfulness. - Sent by Sujat Shah from India.
Zhao Zi Hao's made it big in business so he spent money buying a piece of land in the suburbs and built a three-storey villa.
He had an impressive swimming pool in the garden with a hundred-year-old Lychee Tree in the backyard to boot. In fact, he bought the property precisely because of this tree. His wife loved eating lychees.
During renovations, his friends urged him to get guidance from a fengshui master, just to tread on the side of caution.
Zhao Zi Hao's never quite believed in Fengshui yet surprising he took the advice to heart and went out of his way to engage a feng shui master from Hong Kong. The Grand Master was non other than Master Cao who's been in the profession for thirty over years, renowned in the Fengshui circle. They had a meal in the city then Zhao Zi Hao drove the Master to the suburbs.
Along the way, when cars behind them tried to overtake, Zhao Zi Hao would simply give way.
The Master laughingly remarked: "Big Boss Zhao, your driving is really safe." He spoke really fluent mandarin for a Hongkie.
Zhao Zhi Hao laughed at the remark: “Usually people who need to overtake have some urgent matter to attend to, so we shouldn't hold them up.
Arriving at a small town the streets grew narrow and so Zhao Zi Hao slowed down.
A giggling child suddenly darted out from an alley and as the child ran across the street, Zao still didn't speed up. Instead, he kept his gaze on the alley, as if waiting for something. Out of the blue, another child darted out, chasing after the child ahead.
Master Zao was surprised and asked: “How did you know there'd be another child following suit?”
Zhao Zi Hao shrugged: “Well, kids are always chasing after each other so it's impossible for a child to be in such glee without a playmate.”
Master Cao gave him a big thumbs up and laughed out loud: “That's really considerate of you!”
Arriving at the Villa, they got down from the car. Suddenly about seven to eight birds flocked from the backyard. Seeing so, Zhao said to Master Cao: “ If you don't mind please wait here for a little while.”
“What's the matter?" Master Cao was taken aback.
"Oh, there's probably some kids stealing lychees in the backyard. If we walk in now we might give them a fright, let's not risk anyone falling off the old Lychee Tree." Zhao replied humorously.
Master Cao stayed silent for a while before stating matter-of-factly: “This home doesn't need a fengshui evaluation anymore.”
Now it's Zhao's turn to be shocked: “Why's that?”
“Any place graced with your presence naturally becomes the property with the most auspicious fengshui.”
When our minds prioritize others’ peace and happiness, the one who benefits is not just others, but ourselves too.
When a person is considerate of others at all times, then this person has unconsciously accomplished Buddhood.
The Buddha is in fact a person who through benefiting others becomes enlightened.
Have a mindful week ahead.
Reflection: Many people view Feng Shui as about things and good fortune but in reality it is about us and the energy we want to transmit. For Zhao Zi; his believes, thoughts and actions were in harmony and radiated positive energy in the universe. In life one gets what one puts out.
As Master Cao rightfully said " When our minds prioritize others’ peace and happiness, the one who benefits is not just others, but ourselves too."
Always keep in mind that the strongest factor of your Feng Shui is You. - Stefan Emunds
In current times, we found appropriate to repeat this story from November 8, 2018 reflection.
Comments
This is my favorite video to explain my Feng Shui. Good ol Bruce Lee.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sDW6vkuqGLg
Posted by: Seong Son | November 08, 2018 at 07:56 PM
That is so beautiful! Thank you!
Posted by: Lopeti Senituli | November 08, 2018 at 08:09 PM
Wow.. never heard this story before but it has a powerful truth which is hidden in plain sight for all of us. We tend to look for happiness by becoming selfish and hoarding for ourselves. But if we give things away to others be it recognition, respect, trust to others, it comes back. I remember a quote I read on a picture hung on our walls in our home "Whenever you give a little love, it comes right back!".
Posted by: Sam | November 08, 2018 at 08:27 PM
Thanks Anand, for sharing this beautiful story with such a profound truth. I have always believed that true, lasting joy, Ananda, is not in any object, place or experience, but is our own true nature and can be uncovered in the silent stillness and compassion for all in our own heart.
May the cosmic light of Diwali fill every heart, mind and soul everywhere! Happy Diwali, the festival of light.
Posted by: Prasad Vepa | November 08, 2018 at 11:32 PM
HeartWarming n Inspiring...💞🐬
Posted by: Evelyn Tan | November 09, 2018 at 07:43 AM
A great perspective thank you for sharing your wisdom
Posted by: Humble Warrior | November 09, 2018 at 08:08 AM
Wonderful story!
As we are wrapping up Diwali,and looking forward to Thanksgiving, this is a good time to reflect on what we have/ and what we bring to those around us.
Posted by: Madhuri | November 09, 2018 at 10:07 AM
Anand, I love this story.
Quality is choosing happiness over efficiency in one's life. N
ow, if I can only remember to follow that neat principle...
Posted by: micro CEO | November 15, 2018 at 03:26 PM
Posted by: Readers’ Comments from 2018 publication of this reflection. | May 14, 2020 at 09:42 PM
agree, law of attraction 🙂
Posted by: Pulao Penang | May 15, 2020 at 07:23 AM
Good philosophy to live by
Posted by: Singaporean Friend | May 15, 2020 at 07:24 AM
That is a good story with lesson for all of us. Enjoy your day 🌷😊
Posted by: SJ | May 15, 2020 at 07:26 AM
Beautiful lesson… thank you for sharing, my friend
Posted by: BHSC | May 15, 2020 at 07:48 AM
So true! Love it!
Posted by: SM-childhood friend | May 15, 2020 at 07:51 AM
very wise, good advice!
Posted by: Humble Warrior | May 15, 2020 at 02:45 PM