Reflections

Solala Towler is responsible for a very nice and fairly modern Taoist story. In the Kings castle, Confucians and Taoists are placed either side of a grand hallway which is separated by a curtain. Both are set the task of impressing the King by displaying their knowledge. The Confucians set out with earnest to paint their wall with the most delightful picture ever to be seen. The Taoists get drunk and rub their wall with dry cloths.

Come the day the King, who was aware of all the work the Confucians had done to impress him, stood and admired their painting. It was great indeed. As if to shame the lazy, drunk, Taoists he withdrew the curtain that separated the two parties. What blew the King and the Confucians mind was amid the mess of rags, empty bottles and drunken Taoists was a perfect, yet more perfect, shining 3D rendering of the Confucians painting, yet with more depth and clarity. One Taoist hiccuped, "Wu Wei", farted, fell over and passed out.

(Solala didn't write it quite that way)

The mind is a reflection of the true self but is tainted. The lake reflects the passing clouds and forgets them instantly. Emptiness is fullness. Simple truths sound stupid.