A glass of water changes its colour and becomes undrinkable when it is stained by a drop of ink, whereas the ocean remains blue even when a drop of ink dissolves in it. Why is it so? It is because their capacity differs.
Wheat spikes grow straight upwards when unripe, but they lower their tips when they ripen. Why is it so? It is because their substance differs.
We will have more capacity if we practise tolerance towards others.
We will have substance if we practise humility. A combination of both is a sought-after quality.
一滴墨汁落在一杯清水里，
这杯水立刻变色，不能喝了；
一滴墨汁如果融在大海里，
大海依然是蔚蓝色的大海。
为什么？因为两者的肚量不一样。
不熟的麦穗直直地向上挺着，
成熟的麦穗低垂着头。
为什么？因为两者的分量不一样。
宽容别人，就是肚量；
谦卑自己，就是分量。
合起来，就是一个人的品质。
– Master Jun Hong Lu, Words of Wisdom Volume 3
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