The Yellow River surges forward, winding through nine curves before finally pouring into the sea; the survey teams in the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon braved thorns and thistles, navigating twists and turns to fulfill their dreams. In the long journey of life, the path is never a smooth, straight line. Taking detours is the inescapable main theme of human existence.
How many scars have we carried from our lifelong commitment to upholding the truth, which have instead become stories worth singing about? It is these miraculous experiences that prove a life was not lived in vain. To make life's scenery truly brilliant, longevity alone is insufficient; it requires both breadth and depth.
A Zen master at a Buddhist college unfolded a map of China during a class and asked, "What are the characteristics of the rivers on this map?"
"None are straight; they are all winding curves."
"Why do rivers not take the direct path but insist on winding?" The novice monks debated amongst themselves. Some argued that the curves lengthen the flow, giving rivers greater capacity so that when summer floods arrive, they do not overflow. Others suggested that the elongated path reduces the flow rate per unit length, weakening the impact on the riverbed and thereby protecting it…
The master nodded and said, "You are all correct! But the fundamental reason is that taking detours is the norm in nature, while taking straight paths is the exception. As rivers flow forward, they encounter various insurmountable obstacles. They must detour, winding around barrier after barrier, to finally reach the distant ocean.
The novice monks suddenly understood: "Life is like a river. Misfortunes and setbacks are the norm. We need not be pessimistic or despair, nor sigh and stagnate. If we cannot break through directly, we can change our approach, find a new path, and still reach the distant ocean of life.
