THE BAMBOO PRINCIPLE
In the fields near the river, there was a cluster of tall bamboos. Each year they grew taller and stronger. Then one day the farmer looked over the group, stood before the tallest one and said “My dear friend, I need you”. “Sir,” said the bamboo, “use me in any way you want; I am ready.”
Then the farmer’s voice became a bit serious and he said, “In order to use you, I’ve got to split you in half.” Of course, the bamboo reacted. “Split me?” Why I’m the nicest bamboo in this field. No, please. . . Use me as you like, but whatever you do don’t split me in half. The farmer reply, “Well, It’s like this: If I can’t Split you in half, I can’t use you.”
Stillness still hung over the garden; even the wind was holding its breath. The majestic bamboo slowly bowed his head and whispered, “Sir if the only way to use me is to split me in half, do it.” But that’s only part of it, said the farmer. “I’m going to have to cut off all your branches and leaves too.” “May the Lord spare me from that!” said the bamboo. “That will be the end of my beauty. Spare me my leaves and branches, please.” “If I can’t cut them off, I can’t use you.” “My dearest bamboo, I have inflict even more pain in you. I have to take away even your heart and your insides; otherwise , I can’t use you.
The bamboo bent all the way to the ground and said “Sir, cut and prune me as you wish.” So the farmer cut down the bamboo, looped off its branches and leaves, split it down the middle, and then hallowed out its insides. Then he carried it out of water. He connected the bamboo with the spring and let it carry the water to the fields and make them fruitful. And so it was that when the bamboo had been cut down, dismembered and split right down the middle, it became a source of great blessing to the people.
This is the true joy in life that being used for a purpose recognize by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force nature, instead of feverish, selfish or complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment and I want it burns as brightly as possible before handling it on to future generations.
Then the farmer’s voice became a bit serious and he said, “In order to use you, I’ve got to split you in half.” Of course, the bamboo reacted. “Split me?” Why I’m the nicest bamboo in this field. No, please. . . Use me as you like, but whatever you do don’t split me in half. The farmer reply, “Well, It’s like this: If I can’t Split you in half, I can’t use you.”
Stillness still hung over the garden; even the wind was holding its breath. The majestic bamboo slowly bowed his head and whispered, “Sir if the only way to use me is to split me in half, do it.” But that’s only part of it, said the farmer. “I’m going to have to cut off all your branches and leaves too.” “May the Lord spare me from that!” said the bamboo. “That will be the end of my beauty. Spare me my leaves and branches, please.” “If I can’t cut them off, I can’t use you.” “My dearest bamboo, I have inflict even more pain in you. I have to take away even your heart and your insides; otherwise , I can’t use you.
The bamboo bent all the way to the ground and said “Sir, cut and prune me as you wish.” So the farmer cut down the bamboo, looped off its branches and leaves, split it down the middle, and then hallowed out its insides. Then he carried it out of water. He connected the bamboo with the spring and let it carry the water to the fields and make them fruitful. And so it was that when the bamboo had been cut down, dismembered and split right down the middle, it became a source of great blessing to the people.
This is the true joy in life that being used for a purpose recognize by yourself as a mighty one. That being a force nature, instead of feverish, selfish or complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment and I want it burns as brightly as possible before handling it on to future generations.