3 x 8 = 23

Having wisdom does not mean that whatever we do or say, we have to be correct all the time.
As we all know, almost all troubles in this world happens when everyone start arguing with each other about who’s right or wrong.
While Help Empire was shifting to a new home, I happen to read an inspiring story which was posted by one of my friend, Vendy Xiao.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Confucius was a great thinker and philosopher whose teachings and philosophies have deeply influenced not only the Asian people, but westerner’s thinking and way of life.

Yan Hui ?? was one of Confucius’ favorite disciples who love to learn.
As a person, he has a good personality.

While Yan Hui was walking down a street one day, he saw a group of people surrounding a store selling fabrics. To find out what the commotion is all about, he went over and realised that there was an argument between a customer and the store owner with regards to the length of cloth.

“3 X 8 = 23, why did you say that it is 24?!”
The customer shouted.

In order to help end the simple argument, Yan Hui approached the customer and said, “My friend, it is a fact that 3 X 8 = 24″

The customer became angry and retorted back, “Who asked for your opinion?
If I want to ask for an opinion, I usually seek the Wise Confucius.
The truth will lie with what Confucius say”

Yan Hui, “Well, what if Confucius says that you’re in the wrong?”

“If Confucius says that I’m wrong, i will cut off my head.
and if you are in the wrong?”
The customer questions back.

“If I’m wrong, I will give up my job position to you.”
He replied confidently.

Both of them agreed to the bet, and then proceed to look for Confucius.
After Confucius became fully aware of the problem, Confucius laughed and said to Yan Hui, “3 × 8 = 23. Yan Hui, you lose.
Give up your position to him.”

Yan Hui is a person who will not argue with his teacher.
As a sign of defeat, he lowered his hat and gave it to the customer.

Although Yan Hui was told off by Confucius, in his mind, he did not agree with the decision Confucius made. He made a conclusion that Confucius had became old and senile, so he no longer wish to learn from him.
Yan Hui requested a leave of absence, citing business ventures as a reason.

Confucius granted his wish and allowed him to leave.
Before Yan Hui left, Confucius bade him goodbye but to quickly return after the business was complete, and he gave Yan Hui two advice.
“Firstly, when it rains heavily, do not take shelter under a tree.
Secondly, do not kill. ”

Yan Hui said, “Okay, thanks for your advice.” and he went home.

On the way back, all of a sudden, strong winds accompanied by heavy rain and lightning occured.
In order not to get wet, Yan Hui wanted to take shelter under a tree but he suddenly remembered the advice Confucius gave him and being sofehearted and out of respect to him, he obeyed what his teacher said.
He left the tree and continued running and not long later, lightning stroke and the tree caught fire.

Yan Hui was shocked.
His teacher’s advice had been useful.
Then, he remembered the second advice which made him think.

“Am I going to kill people?”

Yan Hui arrived back house and as it was getting late, he did not want to disturb his wife’s sleep.
After entering and as he was about to lie down on his bed, he felt that there was someone next to his wife.
He was very angry, and drew out his sword.
As he was about to slash the stranger, he remembered his teacher’s second advice, telling him not to kill.

Quickly but quietly lighting up candles to have a better look, he discovered that the person next to his wife was his sister in law.
He heaved a sigh of relief as he almost made a grave decision of killing his very own relative.

The next day, he went back to Confucius.
Yan Hui knelt and said,“Teacher, how do you know of the events that will happen to me?”

Confucius said,“Yesterday afternoon’s weather was very hot, and because of that it is expected to rain heavily in the evenings.
So, for your safety, I am reminding you to not take shelter under a tree.
Secondly, you went off yesterday with anger while carrying a sword.
So , I am just cautioning you not to kill.”

Yan Hui said: “Teacher, your prediction is great, your student is very impressed!”

Confucius replied by saying, “I also know you did not go on leave because of business matters.
It is a fact that you do not want to learn more from me.
Just try to think.
Yesterday, I told you that 3 × 8 = 23 is correct, you lost the bet and thus, you lost your position.
But if I were to say that 3 × 8 = 24 is correct, the customer buying the fabric would lose and that means that there will be lost of one’s life.
Do you think your job position is more important or losing one’s life is more important? ”

Yan Hui aware of the mistake and said,“Now I understand.
Teachers are more concerned with the major issue, but instead, I assumed that you have lost your senses as you are old and senile.
Your pupil is really embarrassed. ”

Since then, Yan Hui became his student once again.

———————————————————————————————————-

Story adapted from: Vendy’s Journal Of Life