There is a tree growing on the edge of my yard (path). This tree initially sprouted because bird droppings fell in the yard (operation). At first it was only as thick as a finger, and at that time the property management asked me to [text appears incomplete]

My yard (path) has a tree growing beside it. This tree initially sprouted because bird droppings fell into the yard. At first, it was only as thick as a finger, and at that time, the property management asked me if I wanted to remove it. I decided to keep it. A few years later, it grew as tall as a three-story building. Its growth culminated in infringing on others’ fundamental interests, namely, the neighbor’s sunlight. If it continued to grow, it would be cut down for blocking the neighbor’s sunlight. The tree, lacking understanding of the Way, believed that its ability to become a towering tree was the result of its own effort. Yet one day, when it was cut down, it lamented its bad luck and blamed heaven and earth.

The tree would never know that everything was already predestined from the very beginning. In this system, the yard symbolizes the Way, and the tree’s ability to thrive within it represents personal effort. The bird and my good intentions symbolize luck. Luck combined with personal talent can improve one’s situation. But the tree’s instinct is to grow and expand endlessly. It lacks wisdom and enlightenment, and does not understand that unchecked expansion could lead to disaster.

Throughout history, many heroes and powerful figures have met tragic ends because they did not understand that wisdom often involves going against instinct. During times of hardship, one can rely on personal effort and luck to strive and grow. At the peak, understanding restraint and moderation is a realization of the Heavenly Way.