One day, the students asked the Master, ” Why do so many people want to climb Mount Everest? It is highly risky, and so many die every year in their attempts.”
Master explained: “Some people find it a great achievement and fulfilment to conquer a difficult challenge. They want to be with the few who can achieve such perilous mission, bringing them glory and recognition.”
For these people who are inspired to do their best and excel in whatever they are doing, their goal is finally reaching the top of their mountain. We have seen many good, efficient national leaders and politicians at the mountain peak. Similarly, many successful artists, such as sportsmen, singers, and performers, have achieved such feats. But nothing can be permanent. At the peak, their only next move is to come down. Whether it is power or fame, their performance will deteriorate and become less efficient, skilful, and overtaken by others. Their popularity declines. They then have to descend back to the valley below. There are 2 ways these champions can come down from their mountain. One is to leave when you are still good and wanted. You retire with dignity and respect. The other manner is when you are no longer wanted and are removed. Emotionally, this can be devastating for some.
During China’s Spring Autumn period (5th century BC), the states of Yue and Wu were at war. Yue’s king had two competent officials to advise him, Fan Li and Wen Zhong. One of their schemes was sending the beauty Xi Shi to charm the king of Wu. Yue finally defeated Wu, and Yue was at peace. The 2 officials continued to serve the State. However, one day, Fan Li decided to leave and retire from his post. Even though Yue’s king earnestly tried to retain him, saying he still needed Fan LI, the latter left. However, Wen Zhong decided to stay and continue enjoying his fame, wealth, and power. Very soon, the king found little use for Wen Zhong. He also saw him as an irritant, interfering with his pleasure and enjoyment. The king finally removed him, ordering him to commit suicide. Yes, Fan Li understood the importance of leaving when you are still good and wanted.
The Chinese have a saying: “When the wind is strong and in your favour, maximise your sailing in the seas.” We want to push to the extreme for maximum gains and advantage whenever possible. Having a winning spree, the gambler will stay gambling, believing that his winning luck will continue. But there is also a Chinese saying:
“When a thing goes to the extreme, opposing forces will reverse its path”. The world is always in balance, maintaining an equilibrium and stable condition. This is often referred to as the yin-yang principle, where the opposing forces of yin and yang counterbalance each other to ensure neither gets out of control. When an event goes too far, corrective forces will reverse its further advancement, bringing it back to the mean. This is the law of nature.
In China, in the year 581, the warlord Yang Jian was installed by his powerful generals as the founding emperor of the Sui dynasty. After ascending the throne, he thought: “These generals are now so powerful that they can decide who to be the country’s emperor. They can raise me; they can also bring me down.” One day, he invited all these generals to dinner. They noticed Yang was quiet and appeared worrisome. They asked him why. Yang said: “Though I am now the emperor, I still have to rely on your loyalty. I feel a bit uneasy.” The generals understood his meaning. They all offered to return their military authority and retire for good. A reversing force indeed.
Zhu Yuanzhang faced a similar problem when he became the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty in 1368. To protect his grandson, who was to be his successor, he had most of the 25 powerful generals who helped him to the throne killed. A few were spared but retired. It was a different method but the same reversing force.
Many regional leaders had great power in the early days of their independence. These included those in Indonesia and the Philippines. But they abused their power and became excessively corrupt. The people suffered, and finally, they rebelled. The forces of the people threw them out and brought their countries back to the mean. Lately, we have seen similar events in Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan.
We should do things in moderation and not push them to the extreme. Even in our daily activities, excessive indulgence in food and drinks, exercise, alcohol and drugs, and sexual activities can trigger adverse reactions in the body, affecting our health and causing illnesses. We maintain the middle way principle, keeping everything in balance and harmony. With this, we do not invite problems but enjoy our peace of mind and happiness. The standard principle underlying most essential philosophies, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Stoicism, Aristotelian and Hinduism, is the Middle Way, the practice of moderation.
Master often tells his students: “Stay in the middle path and do everything in moderation. There is always a price to be paid for exploiting your advantage to the extreme. What goes up must come down. This is the law of nature. Do not go against it. “
Cheong Quee Wah
Cheong Quee Wah, graduated in engineering and business administration, was in the government service for 24 years, and had held the appointment of permanent secretary in various ministries. He also studied traditional Chinese herbal medicine and is a trained qigong master.
