The Empty Boat

Talks given 11 July 1974 am in Buddha Hall

IF A MAN STEPS ON A STRANGER’S FOOT IN THE MARKETPLACE,
HE MAKES A POLITE APOLOGY
AND OFFERS AN EXPLANATION:

”THIS PLACE IS SO CROWDED.”
IF AN ELDER BROTHER
STEPS ON HIS YOUNGER BROTHER’S FOOT HE SAYS, ”SORRY,”
AND THAT IS THAT.
IF A PARENT
TREADS ON HIS CHILD’S FOOT
NOTHING IS SAID AT ALL.

THE GREATEST POLITENESS
IS FREE OF ALL FORMALITY.
PERFECT CONDUCT IS FREE OF CONCERN. PERFECT WISDOM IS UNPLANNED.
PERFECT LOVE IS WITHOUT DEMONSTRATIONS. PERFECT SINCERITY OFFERS NO GUARANTEE.