Guest guest Posted May 26, 2002 Report Share Posted May 26, 2002 >LONG AGO, IN THE LAND OF CATHAY, a young Chinese lad apprenticed >himself to >a venerable doctor, a man learned in the secrets of Nature. The old >wise >master taught the apprentice to know herbs and how to gather them at >just >the right time. He then schooled the boy in preparing the plants to >treat >all manner of ailments. Eagerly, the lad absorbed all he was taught, >became >an excellent student, and began to work alongside his great teacher. >The >apprentice grew into a man with considerable skills. > >In time he went to his master and said to him, " Wise one, you have >taught me >well and I am now ready to return to my village to help my own >people. " > > " Not yet! " said his master. " There is but one more test you must >pass. You >must take these 12 small jars to the mountains and fill them with >plants >that have no purpose. " > >Somewhat perplexed, the apprentice trudged off to the mountains. >Days became >weeks, turning into long months. Finally, in complete despair, he >returned >dejected and weary. > >Falling at the feet of the old doctor, the young man cried, " I have >failed, >Master. I have found no plants without a purpose. " > >The aged wise man smiled gently and said to his young student, " No, >my son, >you have passed the test. You may now go heal your people. " --------------------------- IRA L. JACOBSON --------------------------- mailto:laser@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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