Birdsnest Long ago in China, there lived a monk who perched in a certain tree every day to meditate. No matter if the tree swayed in fierce winds and rain, the monk settled himself comfortably, high up in the tree. Because of this, he was nicknamed "Birdsnest" by the village folk nearby. Many of these villagers passed beneath the monk while hunting or while gathering wood in the forest. And after a time, they grew used to the monk. Some began to stop and talk of their concerns with Birdsnest. They liked the things he had to say, and soon Birdsnest became known for his kind and thoughtful words. After more years, the monk's wise reputation spread throughout the province. Visitors from distant cities hiked to the remote forest for advice. Even the governor of the province decided that he too would like to visit Birdsnest to discuss matters of importance. So, one spring morning, the governor set off to find him. After traveling several days, he at last located Birdsnest's tree in the dense forest. The monk sat calmly, high in the topmost branches, enjoying the warmth and the bird songs of spring. Looking up, the governor shouted, "Birdsnest! I am the governor of this province and I have come a great distance to speak with you. I have a most important question." The governor waited for a reply but heard only the pleasant sounds of leaves stirring in the breeze. The governor continued, "This is my question. Tell me Birdsnest, what is it that all the wise ones have taught? Can you tell me the most important thing the Buddha ever said?" There was a long pause--just the soft rustle of leaves again. Finally, the monk called down from the tree. "This is your answer governor. Don't do bad things. Always do good things. That's what all the Buddhas taught." But the governor thought this answer far too simple to have walked two days for! Irritated and annoyed, the governor stammered, "Don't do bad things; always do good things! I knew that when I was three years old, monk!" Looking down at the governor, Birdsnest replied with a wry smile. "Yes, the three- year-old knows it, but the eighty-year-old still finds it very difficult to do!" Excerpted from Kindness: A Treasury of Buddhist Wisdom for Children and Parents by Sarah Conover All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
