I’ve caught the cold that’s been going around, and my throat’s kind of scratchy today, so I told the kids we’d skip reading The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen at lunch today. When I was met by a chorus of groans, I relented, and read a few pages. I was glad I did. When I came to this dialogue between the prince and Master Shu, I knew I had to share it here:
“My honored father wishes me to learn how Yuan-ming governs his kingdom,” Jen said. “It did not occur to me at the time, but now I realize it means I’ll have to study every one of his laws and precepts, his regulations, ordinances, decrees, analects – how shall I do this? I wasn’t educated to be a scholar or official. I understand nothing of these things.”
[Master Shu] “You must know nothing before you can learn something, and be empty before you can be filled. Is not the emptiness of the bowl what makes it useful? As for laws, a parrot can repeat them word for word. Their spirit is something else again. As for governing, one must first be lowest before being highest. The pot must be broken before it can be mended – ” [he is interrupted]
Which brings to mind Jesus’ words in Mark 9:35…
“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Prince Jen is certainly learning these things by experience during his many adventures!
Wednesdays with Words is hosted by ladydusk.
This is fantastic! Did you buy it? Can we borrow it when you're done?
It's a library book, so you can borrow it when we're done. 🙂 It would be a good one to own, though.
Sometimes our library has good things 🙂 I won't put it on hold for a while, though. Love the graphic.
I'm not familiar with this book. Thanks for sharing from it. I also like your picture.
Love the connection in this post. 🙂