A young man, crushed by repeated failures, came to Puji Temple seeking the advice of Venerable Shi Yuan. He lamented: “What’s the point of living when life is nothing but disappointment?”
The master instructed a novice: “Our guest has traveled far — fetch warm water.”
The novice brought warm water. Shi Yuan monk placed tea leaves in a cup, poured the water, and offered it. The young man sipped and frowned: “This tea has no fragrance!”
Shi Yuan smiled: “Now fetch boiling water.”
The novice returned with steaming water. The master added fresh leaves and poured. The leaves sank, then rose, dancing in the cup — filling the room with fragrance.
Shi Yuan said:
“Warm water lets leaves float — trapping their scent.
Boiling water forces them to sink and rise — releasing their essence.
Are humans not like tea?
Those untouched by storms emit no fragrance of wisdom.
Those tempered by adversity overflow with the aroma of life.”
Cultural & Philosophical Notes
Adversity as Alchemy:
The boiling water symbolizes life’s trials — only through struggle (sinking/rising) do we release inner wisdom (fragrance). Warm water = comfort zone = wasted potential.
Fragrance of Awakened Living:
The young man’s despair mirrors untested leaves — dormant and scentless. Suffering isn’t the enemy; it’s the catalyst for enlightenment.
Chan in a Teacup:
Shi Yuan’s demonstration embodies Chan’s core: truth taught through ordinary acts. No sermons — just leaves dancing in hot water.
Chan Essence:
“What’s the point of life?”
The answer wasn’t in words — it was in the rising steam:
Your brokenness isn’t failure; it’s the boiling water that brews your soul.
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