There’s an old saying that goes: “Keep three parts clumsiness, a thread of innocence, be slightly deaf and a little mute — these are the secrets to a long life.” Just as porridge needs three parts rice and seven parts water, so too in life, balance is everything. Too much becomes a burden; too little falls short. It is the law of nature that a full moon wanes, and water overflows when it is too full. Life is the same: only what is just right endures. Three and seven — that is the perfect measure.
Three parts giving, seven parts receiving
According to another old saying: “Great giving brings great return; small giving brings small return; without giving, there is no gain.” To receive, one must first let go. Letting go is the cause; gaining is the fruit. If we cling to everything, how can we receive anything new?
Consider the old tale of the man who lost his horse. His neighbors lamented the misfortune, but the man calmly replied: “Who knows if this is a blessing or a curse?” Some time later, the horse returned — bringing a fine stallion with it. The neighbors rejoiced, but the man said again: “Who knows if this is a blessing or a curse?” Later still, the man’s son broke his leg while riding the new horse. Again, the neighbors expressed sympathy, and again the man replied: “Who knows if this is a blessing or a curse?” Soon after, a war broke out in the region, and all the young men were conscripted except the son, who was spared because of his injury. What first seemed like misfortune had ultimately protected him.
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