Ancient Cultivation Story: The Chance Was Lost In One Thought

Li Yuan was a high-ranking counselor to the emperor. He once lived reclusively in a hut on Song Mountain, a famous mountain in China in order to practice solitary cultivation. During one cold winter night, he started a fire in his hut to warm himself when an elderly man with a huge hat came right into his hut for the warmth. After a long while, the old man asked Li Yuan, “Do you want to go with me? I know you are someone who has the will (to attain the Dao).” The old man continued, “I was a government official from the Qin Dynasty (the first dynasty in China). I was trying to run away from my troubles when then I attained the Dao.” He took off his hat, and long and elegant hair flowed forth. He had a special aura about him. He told Li Yuan, “I grew this hair and beard when I was on the mountain.”

Li Yuan thought about what the old man had told him for a long time, and replied, “There are some things with my family that need my attention. Will you give me a couple of days?” The old man stood up quickly and said, “This is how sincere you are!” He then got up and left.

Li Yuan chased after the old man and once he caught up with him he tugged the old man’s sleeve, feeling ashamed he apologised over and over. But he couldn’t make the old man stay. On the second day, Li Yuan went to search for the old man, but he was gone forever.

Source: Taiping Guanji (Extensive Records of the Taiping Era)