the crud encrusted pearl

Let the people be free from discernment and relinquish intellection,
Then they will be many times better off.
Stop the teaching of benevolence and get rid of the claim of justice,
Then the people will love each other once more.
Cease the teaching of cleverness and give up profit,
Then there will be no more stealing and fraud.
Discernment and intellection, benevolence and justice,
cleverness and profit are nothing but outward refinements.
Hence we must seek something other than these.
Reveal simplicity,
Hold to one's original nature,
Rid one's self of selfishness,
Cast away covetousness,
Eliminate artificial learning and one will be free from anxieties.
-- Chang Chung-Yuan, Chapter 19, Tao Te Ching

"Stand right there," said Jesus to me. "Without you there would be no play."

"Why do I have to be the bad guy?" asked Lao Tzu.

"Out of character for me," said Jesus. "You are more believable."

"Okay," said Lao Tzu. "Say your lines."

"They are not lines. They are the truth." said Jesus.

"Is that your first line?" said Lao Tzu.

"See. I told you. You make a great bad guy."

"Okay," said Lao Tzu. "Let's get started."

Jesus said to me, "You are a prayer calling out."

Lao Tzu said, "Here's some money. Hope that helps."

"You are a soul thirsty for living water," said Jesus.

"Here is the chatter of your mind," said Lao Tzu. "Drink some of that."

"You are a heart yearning for home," said Jesus.

"Distract yourself," said Lao Tzu. "Drive around. Shop. Eat."

"Live from the core of your being," said Jesus.

"Wear the social armor you have invented for yourself," said Lao Tzu

"Be attached to nothing," said Jesus. "If they ask for your coat, give them your shirt too."

"Take the bastards to court," said Lao Tzu.

"Wow!" I said. "What's the name of this play?"

"The Chains of Fools," said Lao Tzu.