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Roving Over The World
- Book 111: Roving Over The World
- Chapter 16:
Road Side Stalls
- Written by Sheng-yen Lu
- Translated by Janny Chow
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There is a street in Singapore. In the day time, you can see cars traveling along it. Once it is dark, both ends of the road were blocked, tables and chairs were set up, and many people took their dinner there and then. This is something new to me.
I like disciples who treat me like an old friend whom they have not met for a long while, and not as a guest of honour. In fact, I like to eat at road side stalls. Eating in a posh hotel may be stylish, but the food may not be so delicious. Moreover it is expensive and time consuming. To me, it is a pity to spend such a nice night taking a meal.
Eating at road side stalls is a different feeling altogether. You will experience unprecedented sweetness and satisfaction. Especially in Singapore, this feeling is inconceivable. Very soon, I was able to mix with the locals - chatting and laughing with restraint.
I was thinking:
Speeding cars,
And now a sea of people,
A major road just now,
And a feast,
Very meaningful.
To the locals, this may be a common sight, and nothing unusual. They remembered that \`We must let nature takes its own course.\` The world is mercurial. If you observe more, you will understand the meaning of impermanence. A clear and boundless sky is always a prelude to a thunder storm. A cultivator must remain unchanged to deal with all the changes. This is known as \`Ren Yun\` i.e. Using a mind that is free from greed to cope with all the changes.
This is in a state where all is quiet, oblivious of self and surroundings. Our minds wonder because of cause.
At the road-side stalls:
\`Grandmaster, do you want a pot of fishhead curry?\`
\`Grandmaster, can we have Yakitori?\`
\`Grandmaster, this is fried rabbit with spring onions, have you taken rabbit before?\`
\`Grandmaster, I hope the Sesame oil chicken is not too hot!\`
\`Grandmaster, do you like to try Chop Suey?\`
\`Grandmaster, do you like ice-kachang, it is the best for a hot day!\`
As a result of the warmth of my disciples, the food piled up mountain high in front of me.
With an empty stomach, and so many delicious food before me, I really did not know where to begin. I felt carefree and joyous just sampling a little from each dish.
As one of my disciples sells fished curry for a living, I have tried this dish quite a number of times now. The curry is thick, fresh and hot.
Frankly, I don`t like to meet high-class people like politicians, high position officials and rich businessmen. They observe hypocritical protocol and etiquette to show that they have class. As their speeches are insincere, the air is very awkward.
I like country bumpkins as they are more natural.
I like the curry fishhead cooked by my disciple and enjoy dining at the road-side stalls.
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