Empty Boat

“If a man crosses a river and an empty boat collides

with his own boat ??

Even though he be bad tempered man

He will not become very angry.

But if he sees a man in the boat,

He will shout at him to steer clear.

If the shout is not heard, he will shout again,

and yet again, and begin cursing.

And all because someone is in the boat.

Yet, if the boat was empty,

He would not be shouting and not angry.

If you can empty your own boat,

Crossing the river of the world,

No one will oppose you,

No one will seek to harm you.”

- Chuang-Tzy