Master Yin from the east and Master Yang from the west.
As soon as they saw each other, they both dropped into a conflict stance and advanced upon each other to push hands.
Then Mastery Yin coughed and said “My chi is not yet in motion.”
And Master Yang said “My lower dantian is not yet illuminated.”
So they separated, and both began the tai chi warm-up energy exercises, all the time staring, scowling, and growling at each other.
When they had warmed up, they turned and advanced upon each other, ready to push hands.
Then, up a third path came the beautiful Guanyin.
And she said “Master Yin, Master Yang, why are you here on this mountain top contesting with each other?
“You both know that there is work to do.”
She turned to Master Yang and pointed down the east path.
“Go there and educate them on how to improve their lives.”
Then she turned to Master Yin and pointed down the west path.
“Go down there and educate them, to understand their lives and the worth of the world around them.”
And then she said, “And both of you, teach them tai chi.”
Master Yin and Master Yang bowed to Guanyin.
Then they turned to each other, grasped their hands, smiled.
And then separated, with Master Yang down the east path, and Master Yin down the west path.
And when they had gone, Guanyin continued on her third path.
© Bruce Merchant 2024
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