Insetting Gemstones into the Crown

Xuefeng

A few days ago, while organizing the shaded pathway between the swimming pool and the tennis court, my spouse discovered a carp sculpture about the size of a lamb, hidden in the grass. It had been long neglected, weathered by rain, dust, wind, and insects. Once lifelike, the carp now appeared dull, aged, and lifeless. My spouse had two gardeners retrieve it, clean it, repaint it, and place it at the entrance of the billiard room against a flower wall. Flanked by two pots of silver-edged spider plants and surrounded by asparagus ferns, the carp suddenly seemed to embody the spirit of leaping over the dragon gate, adding a vibrant touch to the courtyard.

As I gazed at this new scene, my thoughts wandered, and I was filled with reflections. A simple sculpture, once cleaned up and placed in the right setting, could radiate brilliance again. How many precious things in this world are buried in the "grass," their true form and beauty yet to be revealed? Especially in human society, how many talented individuals are lost in the trivialities of daily life, forever missing the chance to display their true potential? How many intellectuals, wise figures, and gifted people have been buried in the vast sea of mundanity, their wisdom and brilliance never given the chance to shine? A gemstone must be set in a crown to sparkle; similarly, sages must be allowed to shine brightly.

A sage is not only the pillar of a nation and the pride of a people but also the dutiful child of their parents. They are both law-abiding citizens and extraordinary talents. They can quietly blend into society, unnoticed, or rise above the mundane, graceful and carefree. They can soar alone in the blue sky or join a flock of cranes. Like twinkling stars in the night sky, they adorn the heavens, bringing life and beauty to the universe. Imagine a sky without stars — the night would be a lifeless void. Likewise, without sages, the world would be dull and unremarkable.

Why don’t sages shine? There are two primary reasons. First, they lack self-awareness, never realizing they are gems among humanity. Second, societal constraints hinder their talents. Like a brilliant pearl hidden in a shadowy corner rather than displayed prominently, without an effective system or discerning eyes to recognize them, even those with extraordinary talent and ambition may find their potential trapped within the "fortress" of their own thinking. Their fervent aspirations and profound knowledge may be eroded by time and drowned by mundane chatter, leaving them to live in obscurity. To become a sage, one must overcome these two obstacles. First, seek the guidance of saints, for saints possess the insight to recognize true talent. Without following a saint, how can one discern whether they are wise or not? If one blindly believes themselves to be the best, they risk becoming like the proverbial frog at the bottom of a well.

Second, “be friends but not followers.” It is crucial to cultivate friendships with people from religious and political circles while avoiding membership in their organizations. Once entangled, doctrines and rules may constrain one's free will and innate nature, rendering them a servant to others, unable to live freely. Additionally, it is vital to step out of one’s circles regularly. Remaining caught in a vortex leads to confusion, while stepping out offers clarity to evaluate what truly matters, its nature, value, and worthiness of one’s devotion.

Time and energy are the diamonds of life. Insetting gemstones into the crown means dedicating one’s time and energy to endeavors that best reflect the value of life.

But where can one find the place or career that best reflects life’s value? I carefully considered various fields — from farms to factories, military camps to mines, government offices to schools, service industries, commercial pursuits, and even matters of the heart. I pondered the work of scientists, professors, thinkers, writers, artists, philosophers, political leaders, and religious figures. Yet, something still felt missing. I also reflected on the lives of hidden hermits residing in the mountains and streams. Their existence is undeniably free, wonderful, and elegant, but there lingers a faint sense of helplessness and coldness.

Of course, those exceptional individuals who bring light to humanity deserve respect. But if their own life’s journey is too sorrowful and tragic, I hesitate to advocate such a path.

So, where can one truly reflect the greatest value of life? The mystery is boundless!