- Knowing When to Stop
- 1 One day, Gim Yung-suh and Jung Nahm-ghee visited Sahng-jeh-nim. After greeting Him, they chatted.
- 2 Jealous of those able to speak Japanese, Nahm-ghee complained, “These days, anyone who speaks Japanese can easily get a good position and earn a lot of money.”
- 3 Jealous of actors, Yung-suh complained, “These days, it seems if you can act well, you will make a fortune.”
- 4 Both regretted that they had neglected to acquire these skills. Suddenly, Nahm-ghee’s hands started moving in gestures and he spoke Japanese fluently.
- 5 Yung-suh, as if he were a funeral mourner, stood waving a cloth, and gestured with the long sleeve of his robe as though he were beating a drum. He danced and sang until covered in sweat. Everyone enjoyed his act and laughed heartily.
- 6 Also laughing, Sahng-jeh-nim said, “You two certainly got your wishes quickly.” Ashamed, they both came to their senses.
- 7 Sahng-jeh-nim then said, “To become a great person, have a broad and just mind and know when to stop. You should not have overly ambitious thoughts or speak insincerely.”
- 8 He continued, “If you are corrupt on the inside and pretend to be otherwise, how can anyone tell the difference?
- 9 Show your inner nature in appearance, conduct, and speech. Being pretentious and hiding your true self is wicked.”
- (JSD Dojeon 2,89)
