The Master’s Shadow

One evening, as the lanterns flickered in the Tea House of Flowing Dao, a restless student asked the Daoist master, “Master, how do I rid myself of my flaws? No matter how much I try to change, my old habits follow me like a shadow.”

The master took a sip of tea and gestured toward the courtyard. “Step outside.”

The student obeyed. The moon was bright, and his shadow stretched long across the stone path.

“Now,” the master said, “run from your shadow.”

The student hesitated, then took off running. But no matter which way he turned, his shadow stayed with him. He ran faster, darting left and right, but the shadow never left. Finally, exhausted, he stopped.

The master walked up to him and pointed at the ground. “Now stand still and face the moon.”

The student turned, and in that instant, his shadow fell behind him, out of sight.

The master smiled. “You cannot escape your flaws by running. But if you turn toward the light, they will fall behind you.”

The student bowed deeply.

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Learn more about Daoism, its philosophy and practice in the book series - Daoist Cultivation.