Reflections in Water and Mirrors - Incorruptibility

In ancient times the Emperor Yao wished to abdicate, and sought a sage to whom to yield the empire. He had heard of the two sages Chao Fu and Xu You, who were pure and lofty in their conduct, and he went to visit them personally. When he met Chao Fu he explained his intent to yield the empire to him. On hearing this, Chao Fu covered up his ears and ran off to wash them.

Xu You, who happened to be downstream at the river bank watering his ox, was surprised by this strange behavior, and inquired about it. Chao Fu replied, "The Emperor Yao just offered the empire to me. Such words defiled my ears and so I am washing them."

Xu You answered, "Washing your ears in this water pollutes it. How can I let my ox drink such defiled waters? Thereupon he moved his ox upstream. Ah! How incorruptible these two were.

Click here for Commentary

Vajra Bodhi Sea, July 1998