Sorry? - Chengxin Idioms - Mind Growth Pocket Book

Author: Chen Peng / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
The story of Yu Boya, a man skilled in music and playing the qin, is set in ancient times. When young, he was intelligent and eager to learn, studying under a master and achieving a high level of proficiency in playing the qin. Yet, he felt he could not fully express his emotions about various things through his music! Understanding his heart, his teacher took him to Penglai Island. Facing the sea and listening to the waves, Yu Boya felt a wonderful sense of harmony, as if he heard the music of nature. He took up his qin and played, blending the beauty of nature into the melodies. His teacher praised him with delight: "You have now mastered the art!"
One night, under a bright moon and clear wind, Yu Boya was traveling by boat. Inspired by the scenery, he improvised a piece, merging himself with his qin. Suddenly, someone on the shore clapped and exclaimed in admiration. Yu Boya looked up and saw a woodcutter standing there. He knew he had found a kindred spirit. Inviting the woodcutter aboard, Yu Boya played with great enthusiasm. He played a piece called "High Mountains," and the woodcutter said, "Wonderful! Majestic and solemn, like Mount Tai towering into the clouds!" Then Yu Boya played "Flowing Water," and the woodcutter remarked, "Excellent! Vast and boundless, like the roaring sea!" Overjoyed, Yu Boya exclaimed, "A kindred spirit! You truly are my kindred spirit!"
The woodcutter's name was Zhong Ziqi. From then on, they became the best of friends. This story is a timeless tale of friendship between kindred spirits. People admire and sigh over the bond between Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi. In life, from young to old, we meet many people, but encountering a true kindred spirit is rare. That's why people often say, "A kindred spirit is hard to find," and "Having one true friend in life is enough." So, why were Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi so fortunate? There are undoubtedly many factors, but one is particularly worth learning from: sincerely expressing admiration for others' strengths and virtues!
In daily life, some people are shy to praise others, some think praising is flattery, and some even believe that praising others diminishes themselves. Thus, praising others becomes a difficult task. Imagine if Zhong Ziqi heard Yu Boya's music and thought it was wonderful but, for one reason or another, failed to express his sincere admiration. How could they have become kindred spirits then? In reality, recognizing others' virtues and offering praise is first and foremost an act of sincerity toward oneself, toward one's own feelings. Only those who are sincere with themselves can be sincere with others, making it more likely to receive genuine feedback and thus have the chance to find their kindred spirit.
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