On the first, he set out with no map believing that �to travel hopefully is better than to arrive.� He travelled for one year and returned home after seeing many things. But he missed a lot because he went with no map and no plan. The trip was enjoyable and spontaneous but had no focus.
Before he set out on his second trip, believing that a man with no plan is like a ship with no rudder,� he prepared a plan and a map. He travelled for two years and visited many important places. When he returned home, he reviewed his experience and realized that he had received a lot from people but not given much to people he met.
Before he set out on his third journey, he learned the skill of drawing maps believing now that �it is better to give than receive.� On this trip he travelled for five years and took a plan and a map and his skill. He taught people along the way how to draw their own maps. He returned home satisfied that he had not only received but had also given as he travelled.
Barry Natusch
1997.6.28
Aesop
BN's own
Zen