Parables and Proverbs

The Nature of Time

Two Zen monks were discussing the nature of Time.

Monk A:  See that flag rippling in the wind?  The flag moves, does it not?

Monk B:  Maybe.

Monk B:  I say, the wind moves.

Monk A:  Maybe.

Just then the Master came by, who had been listening to the conversation.

Master:  No, you idiots!  It is the Mind that moves!

Monk A and Monk B (in unision):  Maybe!

The Nature of Space

A fellow from the city was driving around some country roads trying to find the little town of Aumsville.  Of course, he had a smartphone with GPS but it seemed to be "out of range."  He saw a farmer standing next to a red barn,  and stopped to ask for directions.

City Guy:  Excuse me, is this the road to Aumsville?

The farmer nodded.

Farmer:   Could be.

The city guy thought - I'll take that as a "yes" - and continued in the direction he was headed.  The roads were pretty curvy though.   The road signs were old, and some of them even had bullet holes in them.  After awhile he found himself back at the same place, and the same farmer was standing there.

City Guy:  Sorry mister, I'm lost.  Is this really the road to Aumsville?

The farmer shook his head from side to side.

Farmer:  Could be.

The city guy thought - I'll take that as a "no".  So he reversed his direction and headed the other way.  After not too long, however, he found himself  approaching the same red barn again, with the same farmer standing next to it.  The roads had looked different this time, but they often do when you're going the opposite direction. 

City Guy:  (A bit tensely) Look, I hate to trouble you, but I really need to find my way to Aumsville.  Is this or isn't it the right road?

Farmer:   That depends.

City Guy:   Depends on what, may I ask?

Farmer:   Depends on who.

City Guy:  What depends on who?

Farmer:  No, where depends on who.

City Guy:  I'm confused.

Farmer:  Look, feller - I hardly know you.  What's your business here?  Are you a salesman or a preacher?

City Guy:  Well, that depends...