|
The Difference Is in a Single Thought
By Luwen
(Clearwisdom.net) Li Linfu (who died in 752 A.D.) was Prime Minister for
Emperor Tang Xuan Zong (713-756 A.D.) of the Tang Dynasty. He lived on the east
side of Luoyang City. When he was 20 years old he had yet to take up serious
studies, though he enjoyed swimming, hunting, and was fond of falcons and dogs.
He often stood upside down on his hands and leaned against a wall to rest. One
day he met a Taoist who told him, "Although you are very good at this, you
may one day fall suddenly into a calamity, and then it will be too late!"
Li Linfu immediately stood up normally and said that he would cultivate himself
and practice morality from then on, learn to be respectful and prudent, and give
up his bad behavior. The Taoist said, "I've traveled the world for 500
years and you're the only one I've met who has a predestined relationship with
the divine. After you've completed your cultivation and consummated you can rise
up in broad daylight and leave (becoming an immortal) (from the book Yi Shi).
If you don't wish to cultivate you can be Prime Minister for twenty peaceful
years and wield great power. Now go home and think about what you want, and come
back and see me in three days." When the day arrived, Li Linfu told the Taoist, "I'm a young member of
the Emperor's clan and have been chivalrous since childhood. I'd rather be a
Prime Minister for twenty years and have great power than become an immortal.
That's my decision." Upon hearing Li Linfu's words the Taoist said sadly, "I've only met one
predestined person in 500 years, and he'd rather cling to power in the human
world and miss his opportunity to cultivate. What a pity!" Li Linfu was very regretful and wanted to change his mind, but the Taoist
said, "A person's first thought is most important. The Gods have already
heard your wish, and it's too late to change it now." The Taoist cautioned him, "When you serve as an official you should do
good deeds and help people as much as you can. Don't kill innocent people. Don't
become vicious and never commit crimes. In 300 years I'll teach you how to
cultivate and you can still become an immortal." Li Linfu agreed to obey,
while falling to his knees and crying, and said goodbye to the Taoist. Not long after, Li Linfu became very successful in his career, made steady
progress and soon became the Prime Minister. However, he was shrewd and
calculating, with ulterior motives and a silver tongue, and Emperor Tang Xuan
Zong liked him very much. He established a big prison and killed many
dissidents. Many people were falsely accused, and the common people led
miserable lives. One day the Taoist suddenly showed up at the Prime Minister's office. Li
Linfu saw him and recognized him as the same old man who'd taught him so many
years before. He was extremely ashamed and fearful, and was at a loss for words.
He remembered that the Taoist had told him he'd be "Prime Minister for
twenty years." He realized his time was up, yet he hadn't fulfilled any of
the teachings. He felt sick to the stomach and immediately knelt before the
Taoist. The Taoist said, "Many years ago you promised to do what I asked you,
but you haven't done any of it. I asked you to do good deeds, yet you are sly
and vicious and have killed many innocent people. The Heavenly Gods know every
single detail of your crimes and your punishment is horrifying!" Li Linfu
kowtowed continuously when he heard that. Li Linfu asked the Taoist, "I remember you said in 300 years I'd have
the opportunity to become an immortal. Is it still possible?" The Taoist
replied, "What you've done is against the laws of Heaven. There will be
negative consequences and we'll have to add another 300 years, so you won't get
another chance until 600 years have past." Li Linfu was extremely regretful. February 9, 2007
|