The Sixth Finger of Happiness: A Collection of Family Stories

Author: Xiang Qixin, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Father is a mountain, I am a tree, the mountain is the tree's support; Mother is water, I am a fish, water is the fish's sky. Countless ordinary yet noble parents have dedicated everything for us. The long river of time has carved grooves on the mother's beautiful face, while the father has turned his life into a gentle stream of love to nourish us. Kind grandparents, siblings who are like brothers and sisters—within their hearts, they always light a lamp for us, bringing joy to our souls. Reading for pleasure has become a new trend in the study lives of modern students. Amidst busy studies, reading heartfelt articles filled with goodness and beauty, like crystal-clear, sweet spring water, nourishes our souls and enriches our lives. Read with heart, savor with heart—some articles will inspire wisdom, some will move you to tears, some will bring you a sense of sorrow, and some will make you smile heartily. Like a gentle breeze, they create a pleasant and sweet mood. Reading for solace leaves a lingering fragrance in our memories forever. Reading this series of books will bring you unprecedented joy. Carry three phrases with you on your journey—Anonymous You are about to set off, child. There is a lifetime of years waiting for you to walk. I give you three phrases to carry with you. Happiness is a virtue—maintain happiness, child. For us poor people, happiness is our last luxury. Do not easily lose the habit of happiness, or we will have even less. You must be happy, every morning or evening. You must learn to listen to the language of all things, try to talk with the rivers, mountains, and earth around you. In every village you pass through, leave your laughter as a souvenir, so that when people speak of you years later, they will remember how joyful a child once passed through here. Happiness is a virtue. You must carry it with you like a lover's handkerchief. No matter how much luggage you carry, do not throw it into the ditch by the roadside. Even if your shoes fall off and your feet bleed, you must tightly clutch happiness and never let it leave your side for even half a moment. Happiness is a virtue, child, because happiness is contagious. You must spread your happiness to everyone around you, whether they are weary farmers or sick travelers; whether they are barefoot children or mothers worried about rice, you must spread happiness to them, letting them bloom like flowers. Child, in every village you pass through, people will treat you as family, giving you sweet water and filling your bundles with food. Give them your happiness, and remember: happiness is a virtue—it can keep you alive in people's hearts for many years.
Don't linger too long for a single flower On your journey, child, there will be many flowers you haven’t seen blooming by the roadside. They stand by the streams, singing and dancing in the wind. Do not ignore them, child—our eyes must never overlook beauty. You must admire their posture and songs, and feel the beauty of life because of them. No matter how far your journey is or how difficult the road, you must talk to the flowers, even if it’s just for a moment while you drink some water or wash your face. Do not fail to see the flowers strewn along the path. But I must tell you, when you are immersed in the fragrance, do not forget to keep moving. Do not linger too long for a single flower. You are just a passerby—believe that there are still a million flowers waiting for you ahead on this road. You must know where you are going. Before you arrive, child, do not stop for a flower.
Go to those who have helped you with a gift You will reach your destination one day, stepping on a path of sunshine. Child, as long as the blood in your body flows with passion, as long as you hold a torch to drive away beasts, you will eventually arrive at the place you desire. That is the distant land, that is the land of happiness. As you pack your bags to return, I want to tell you, child, do not forget to prepare a gift for those who have helped you. You must remember the spring water you drank from others, the food you ate from others, the songs of a girl you heard, the road you asked a child for, the long night you spent in a hunter’s hut. Remember them, child, you must remember their voices and appearances. Before you return, you must prepare gifts for them. Wrap a few pieces of silk and some beautiful stones carefully. Prepare flowers for the girl; prepare tobacco for the old man; think of the mischievous children—gifts for them are the easiest to find but also the hardest. That is enough. Also bring the scenery you saw and the stories you heard along the way, along with your experiences and reflections. By the fire, share them with them. Tell those who lack water where to find it; tell the sick which herbs can heal them; share your experiences and tell them where the detours are ahead. These are the best gifts. Do not forget to prepare a gift for those who have helped you, child. Only then will this journey of yours not have been in vain.