A Journey of Faith and Friendship: The Story of Zhuo Qishun and Su Shi

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The story of Zhuo Qishun and Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo) is a touching tale of friendship, loyalty, and the power of action. It's a story that resonates even today, reminding us of the importance of helping others and the strength of the human spirit.

Su Shi, a renowned poet and scholar of the Song Dynasty, was exiled to Huizhou, a remote region in southern China. Separated from his family, who resided in Yixing, and with his brother Su Zhe also in exile elsewhere, communication was difficult. Su Shi's son, Su Mai, was deeply worried about his father's well-being, as news from Huizhou was scarce.

Enter Zhuo Qishun, a Buddhist lay practitioner from the Dinghui Temple in Suzhou. Witnessing Su Mai's distress, Zhuo Qishun offered a simple yet powerful reassurance: "What is there to worry so much about? Huizhou isn't in the heavens; if you just travel, you'll arrive." With these words, Zhuo Qishun volunteered to undertake the arduous journey to Huizhou himself, carrying a letter to Su Shi.

This wasn't a simple trip. It involved crossing rivers, traversing mountains, sleeping outdoors, and enduring the harsh conditions of the southern climate, including the dreaded miasma. The text describes him as "crossing rivers and mountain passes, traveling on foot and sleeping in the open, collapsing from exhaustion in the miasma, his face darkened and his feet calloused," illustrating the sheer difficulty of the journey. Yet, Zhuo Qishun persevered, driven by his commitment to help a friend in need.

Upon reaching Huizhou and delivering the letter, Su Shi was deeply moved by Zhuo Qishun's selfless act. When Su Shi asked what he wanted in return, Zhuo Qishun's reply was even more remarkable. He stated that he sought nothing for himself; if he had been seeking personal gain, he would have gone to the capital. He then humbly compared himself to Cai Mingyuan, whose act of providing food to the starving Yan Zhenqing during a difficult time was immortalized through Yan's writing. Zhuo Qishun suggested that perhaps his own small act of traveling thousands of miles could also be similarly recognized. He didn't ask for riches or rewards; he simply wished for his act of kindness to be remembered.

Su Shi, deeply touched by Zhuo Qishun's humility and dedication, agreed to his request. Feeling unworthy to compare his own writing to the esteemed Yan Zhenqing, Su Shi chose to transcribe Tao Yuanming's famous poem "The Return," also known as "Returning to the Fields," for Zhuo Qishun. This poem, expressing a desire for a simple life away from the complexities of officialdom, resonated with Su Shi's own circumstances and served as a fitting tribute to Zhuo Qishun's selfless journey.

This story highlights several important themes:

• The Power of Action: Zhuo Qishun's simple statement, "Huizhou isn't in the heavens; if you just travel, you'll arrive," underscores the importance of action. Instead of dwelling on the difficulty of the journey, he simply acted, demonstrating that even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with determination.
• Selfless Service: Zhuo Qishun's motivation was purely altruistic. He sought no personal gain, only the satisfaction of helping others. This selfless service is a powerful reminder of the good that can be achieved when we put the needs of others before our own.
• The Enduring Power of Kindness: Even today, we remember Zhuo Qishun's kindness thanks to Su Shi's writings. This story reminds us that acts of kindness, however small they may seem, can have a lasting impact and inspire generations.

The story of Zhuo Qishun and Su Shi is more than just a historical anecdote. It's a timeless reminder of the power of friendship, the importance of action, and the enduring legacy of kindness. It's a story that continues to inspire us to be better, to help others, and to never underestimate the impact of a single act of selfless service.