Try Softer

A young boy travelled across China to the school of a famous martial artist. When he
arrived he was given an audience by the master.

“ What do you wish from me ? ” the master asked.

“ I wish to be your student and become the finest martial artist in the land ” the boy replied. “ How long must I study ? ”

“Ten years at least, “ the master answered.

“ Ten years is a long time, ” said the boy. ” What if I studied twice as hard as all your other
students ?”

“Twenty years,” replied the master.

“Twenty years ! What if I practice day and night with all my effort ?”

“Thirty years,” was the master’s reply.

“ How is it that each time I say I will work harder to be the best, you tell me it will take
longer ? ” asked the boy.

“ The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye
left with which to find the Way.”

- Anonymous