A Gift of Fruit

One day, Weizhen was walking in the countryside with his student Tianlai (天籁).

As they passed by a garden, Tianlai saw ripe oranges and immediately said,“Oh, we could take one of those!”

Weizhen replied,“No, we can’t. This garden belongs to someone else.”

“But there’s the right of the eye,” Tianlai said.“What do you mean by that?” asked Weizhen.

“When you see something, you may take one—just one. It’s the right of sharing,” Tianlai explained.

Weizhen answered,“But this tree wouldn’t be here if the owner hadn’t cared for it.And if he wishes to give us an orange, it will happen—and we will both receive one.”

Tianlai accepted her teacher’s words, and they continued walking.

About five minutes later, they came across a bench by the path.

On it was a sign:“Este día un regalo fruta – Today, a gift of fruit”Beside it lay three oranges and a knife for slicing.

Weizhen smiled.“Come, let’s sit and enjoy two of these oranges.”

Tianlai was overjoyed—and she understood what it truly means to trust.