Thus spake the master of charcoal: "The Tao may be found in all types of charcoal. The Tao will not
be found masquerading as charcoal."
The wise man is told about Tao and follows it.
The average man is told about Tao and searches for it.
The foolish man is told about Tao and laughs at it.
If it were not for laughter, there would be no Tao.
If it were not for Kingsford, there would be no laughter.
A novice asked the master: "In the east there is a great temple that
men call "Kingsford". It is bloated out of shape with the proceeds of its
greed. This temple is inhabited by demons that occasionally issue forth
and make
declarations which make no sense to a charcoal novice. They say that the charcoal is a
matter of taste, yet the charcoal from this temple is known to produce unpleasant tastes to the
palate of a charcoal master. In one breath they speak of quality and tons of wood scraps.
No one understands what is meant by many of their sayings,
yet the masses continue to pray at this temple and take home its charcoal. How can such an unnatural entity be?"
The master replied: "You perceive this immense temple and are disturbed
that it has no rational purpose. Can you not take amusement from its endless
silliness? Do you not enjoy the untroubled ease of burning real charcoal, safe
from its influences?
Why are you bothered by its uselessness?"
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