SKILLS

Zither, chess, book, painting, sword.

These symbolize clbumical skill.

There was once a wanderer who cared nothing for fame. Although he

had many chances for position, he continued to search for teachers who

could help him master five things : zither, chess, book, painting, and

sword.

The zither gave him music, which expressed the soul. Chess

cultivated strategy and a response to the actions of another. Books gave

him academic education. Painting was the exercise of beauty and

sensitivity. Sword was a means for health and defense.

One day a little boy asked the wanderer what he would do if he lost

his five things. At first the wanderer was frightened, but he soon

realized that his zither could not play itself, the chess board was

nothing without players, a book needed a reader, brush and ink could not

move on their own accord, and a sword could not be unsheathed without a

hand. He realized that his cultivation was not merely for the

acquisition of skills. It was a path to the innermost part of his being.