The Tao Seeker (six difficult tests) - Part one

Zhao Sheng, the Tao Seeker; Part _ one
Six Tests in a Row

Once upon a time in ancient China, there was a man named Zhao Sheng. Longing for the Tao, Zhao Sheng traveled a long distance to Sichuan Province in western China to cultivate in Taoism under Zhang Daoling's tutelage. In order to confirm Zhao Sheng's will, Zhang Daoling arranged a series of tests.
Forty Nights Outside the Master's Door
One day Zhao Sheng arrived at Zhang Daoling's door. He explained the purpose of his visit to the doorman and begged him to tell Zhang Daoling. To his astonishment, the doorman did not go tell Zhang Daoling about him. Instead, he showered Zhao Sheng with curses. Determined to cultivate in Taoism, Zhao Sheng did not lose his temper at all. He decided that he would not leave until he became Zhang's disciple. He slept outside the door that night and for the next 40 nights as well. The doorman cursed at him for 40 days. Finally, Zhang Daoling agreed to meet Zhao and allowed him to stay. However, Master Zhang ordered him to live on the paddies to work as a scarecrow and drive birds and beasts from the crops. Zhao obeyed without hesitation.
The Beautiful Girl in the Thatched Hut
It was windy and cold in the field at night. Wild animals made terrifying noises that sent chills up and down one's spine. Yet Zhao was very devoted. He made sure not a grain was lost to animals. One day at sunset when he had just driven away a flock of birds, Zhao saw an unusually beautiful young maiden approaching him. The lady told him that she was walking to a village far away and asked for lodging overnight. Zhao Sheng thought that, as a cultivator, he should help people in need. He invited the lady to sleep in his thatched shack, but he sat in the field alone until dawn. The next day the lady complained of foot pain and stayed for a few more days. At night the lady tried to seduce him, but Zhao Sheng's heart was set on cultivation and he was not tempted at all.....


Reference of the story: Minghui.org
Music License:
Music: Solo of Pipa (A Chinese Music Instrument): See You in Spring

Music by Da Xiong, Remix by Ge Jia, Pipa Solo by Ge Jia
(Minghui.org)

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