Be Considerate to One & All……………

Zhao Zi Hao a Japanese merchant had made it big in business so he spent money buying a piece of land in the suburbs and built a three-storey villa.  He had an impressive swimming pool in the garden with a hundred-year-old Lychee Tree in the backyard of his house.  In fact, he bought the property precisely because of this tree. His wife loved eating lychees the whole day and he did not mind it at all.

During renovations, his friends urged him to get guidance from a Feng Shui master, just to tread on the side of caution.  Zhao Zi Hao had never quite believed in Feng Shui, yet surprisingly he took the advice to heart and went out of his way to engage a Feng Shui Master from Hong Kong. The Grand Master was none other than Master Cao who’s been in the profession for over thirty years and renowned in the Feng Shui circle. 

They had a meal in the city, then Zhao drove the Master to the suburbs. Along the way, when cars behind them tried to overtake, Zhao would simply give way. The Master laughingly remarked; ‘Big Boss Zhao, your driving is really safe.’ Zhao laughed at the remark: ‘Usually people who need to overtake have some urgent matter to attend to, so we should not hold them up. 

Arriving at a small town the streets grew narrow and so Zhao slowed down.  A giggling child suddenly darted out from an alley and as the child ran across the street, Zhao still did not speed up.  Instead he kept his gaze on the alley, as if waiting for something.  Out of the blue, another child darted out, chasing after the child ahead. Master Cao was surprised and asked: “How did you know there would be another child following suit?” Zhao shrugged his shoulders: ‘Well, kids are always chasing after each other so it is impossible for a child to be in such glee without a playmate.’ Master Cao gave him a big thumb’s up and laughed out loud: ‘That is really considerate of you.’

Arriving at the Villa, they got down from the car.  Suddenly about seven to eight birds flocked from the backyard.  Seeing so, Zhao said to Master Cao: ‘If you do not mind please wait here for a little while.’ ‘What’s the matter?’ Master Cao taken slightly aback. ‘Oh, there is probably some kids stealing and eating lychees in the backyard.  If we walk in now we might give them a fright, let us not risk anyone falling off the old Lychee Tree.’ Zhao replied humorously.

Master Cao stayed silent for a while before stating matter-of-factly: ‘This home does not need a Feng Shui evaluation anymore. It is already Blessed and Taken Care Of.’ Now it is Zhao’s turn to be shocked: ‘Why’s that?’ ‘Any place graced with your presence naturally becomes the property with the most auspicious Feng Shui.’

Master Cao said to Zhao: ‘When our minds prioritize others’ peace and happiness, the one who benefits is not just others, but ourselves too.  When a person is considerate of others at all times, then this person has unconsciously accomplished Buddha-hood.  A thoughtful person who cares for others does not require any help, he know what he is doing. He is always kind towards all and compassionate.’ So saying he said his goodbye and departed from the house of Zhao very contented.  

The Buddha is in fact a person who through benefiting others becomes enlightened. The importance of good people in our life is just like the importance of heart beats, it is not visible but silently supports our life.