One day the emperor visited Nan-In. As a sign of his respect, he presented him with a magnificent robe, embroidered with precious stones, made of the most expensive fabric.
Presenting it, he said:
- Don't refuse. This is my gift.
Nan-In said:
“I can take it, but I won’t be able to wear it because there’s no one around.” What's the point? Moreover, the deer will laugh, the peacock will make fun of me: “Look at this old man, he must have gone crazy in his old age.” So please take it back. I accepted the gift and am returning it to you. This thing is needed where there are a lot of people, where it will be appreciated, but here it makes no sense.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru