Yang Zhu reached the Pei area in the south, and when Lao Tzu, wandering west, came to Qin, he met him on the outskirts - in Liang.
In the middle of the road, Lao Tzu raised his eyes to the sky and sighed:
“Before I thought that you could be taught, but now I see that it is impossible.”
Yang Zhu remained silent. When they entered the tavern, Yang Zhu gave Lao Tzu water for washing and rinsing his mouth, a towel and a comb. Leaving his shoes behind the door, he crawled up to him on his knees and spoke:
“Recently, the teacher raised his gaze to the sky, sighed and said: “Before I thought that you could be taught, but now I see that it is impossible.” I, the student, wanted to ask for an explanation, but did not dare, because the teacher said and continued on his way without rest. Nowadays the teacher has free time. Let me ask a question: what is my fault?
“You have a smug look, you have a boastful look.” Who can you live with? After all, even the purest whiteness seems tarnished, perfect dignity seems insufficient! - Lao Tzu replied.
- I respectfully obey! - Yang Zhu said with all respect, his face changing.
Previously, Yang Zhu was greeted by women in the tavern, the owner brought him a mat, the hostess gave him a towel and a comb, those who were sitting gave up a place on the mat, those who were warming themselves were given a place by the fireplace. When he returned, the guests began to argue with him for a place on the mat.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru