Su Dongpo and his friend monk Fo Yin often spent time together. They drank wine, read poetry, and talked about science.
One day, having met as usual, the friends started talking and completely forgot about the time, and when they remembered it, it was already midnight. Since the city gates were already closing by this time, Su Dongpo could not return home, and he had to stay the night at a friend’s temple. When the place to stay for the night was prepared, Dunpo went to the bed, took off his robe and shoes, sat on the floor in a cross-legged position and, closing his eyes tightly, began to vigorously rub the soles of his feet. Fo Yin, looking at his friend, jokingly remarked:
— A respected scholar meditates, rushing to the Buddha and the goddess of mercy, and does not think at all about his wife waiting for him at home. Yes, nothing can be done!
Su Dongpo did not answer, as if he had not heard these words. A lot of time passed before he opened his eyes and, laughing, said:
- Dunpo rubs his soles not in order to rush to the goddess of mercy, but in order to strengthen his vigilance and look at life with clear eyes.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru