Once, there was an old monk. While walking along the riverbank, he noticed a scorpion struggling in the water. The monk slowly approached, bent down, and rescued the scorpion from the water.
But the scorpion, oblivious to the monk's kindness, stung him with its venomous tail. Shortly after, the scorpion fell back into the water. The monk once again saved the scorpion, only to be stung again.
Again and again, the scorpion fell into the water, the monk saved it, and the scorpion stung him each time. Observing this curious scene from afar, a young monk approached the old monk and asked:
"Why do you keep rescuing that scorpion, even though it doesn’t appreciate your help?"
The old monk softly replied,
“My role is to save, and the scorpion’s role is to sting. We are each simply doing what we are meant to do.”
From the wisdom of the old monk, we learn that true purpose lies in staying true to ourselves and fulfilling our role, no matter the circumstances.
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