- The Qi of Saving Life
- 2 Finding Sahng-jeh-nim extraordinary in all respects, Gyung-suk showed Him the documents for the property suit to test him.
- 3 “It is said that a gathering of three people can solve any problem in the town. I ask of You, please determine how this legal action will turn out.”
- 4 Sahng-jeh-nim read the documents aloud, then said, “This suit will go in your favor. Owing to it, however, the eleven-member family of the accused will lose their livelihood. This is something a great person would not have the heart to bring about.
- 5 One should be full of the qi of saving life rather than the qi of destroying life.”
- 6 “You are right,” Gyung-suk said, deeply moved. “I will give up this suit.” And he immediately burned the documents.
- 7 Being an Eastern Learning believer, Gyung-suk followed Sohn Byung-hee, but he was discontented with Sohn’s way of doing things and wanted to change his path.
- 8 Sahng-jeh-nim’s speech and demeanor struck him as being extraordinary, so Gyung-suk remained at the inn until dark. When Sahng-jeh-nim returned to the water mill at Yohng-ahm Village, Gyung-suk followed. Finally, he knew where Sahng-jeh-nim was staying.
- 9 The more he listened to Sahng-jeh-nim, the more he was drawn to Him. Gyung-suk asked if he could be a disciple, but Sahng-jeh-nim refused.
- (JSD Dojeon 3,126)
