In Shou Dao, parables are considered part of the knowledge system of Life Warriors, and actually represented false knowledge. When hearing a parable for the first time, the disciple became fascinated by its beautiful form. The original and most obvious but new and interesting interpretation of the parable spurred him to self-perfection. Then, when the disciple learned to control his physical state and had achieved peace of mind, he was told the same parable again but this time, it was emphasized that special knowledge is very important to the warrior of life and only a man who possessed this knowledge can fully control the situation. Thus, along with the idea of spiritual self-perfection, the importance of knowledge itself was stressed. It was a stage when the initial intuitive learning practically ended and more specific learning was required.


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ONLY THE TEACHER IS ABLE NOT TO DO IT

Once upon a time, on the day of Perceiving the Truth, the Wisest Man from the clan of the Calms showed to several chosen disciples his ability to turn ordinary stones into gold and silver.

One of the disciples of the Wisest Man, impressed with what he had seen, asked another disciple:

- if our Teacher is able to turn stones into bars of gold, why hasn't he become the richest and the most powerful man in the Celestial Empire?

- Yes, our teacher can do it, - answered that one proudly, - but he wouldn't have become the Great Teacher, if he had not been able not to do it.

***

THE STONE OF KNOWLEDGE

The Stone of Knowledge was lying at a road crossing. Two women were walking along the road. They saw the stone and started crying. Two warriors were walking towards each other; they saw the stone and killed each other. Two lords with retinues were traveling. They saw the stone and drew a border through it. Two peasants were walking. They stumbled over the stone but didn't notice it. Two travelers were walking. They saw the stone and sat down to rest. Two young men were walking. They saw the stone and wanted to take it out of the ground but couldn't accomplish this. Two Taoists were walking. They saw the stone and each one went along his own way. Not that they needed the stone...
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