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In this world, most people have been planning and pursuing their future in an impermanent life. They are often caught up in contradictions and pains, which is the life of unenlightened beings - living in the delusion. Hence, Dharma Master Cheng Yen told the story of "The Poor Wood Chopper" in an ancient book.
There was a poor man who lived alone and had no relatives. He worked very hard but only had food and clothing and nothing around him.
One time, he chopped some wood and sold it in the town. He exchanged a small sack of rice seeds with his money and headed home. As it was going to be a new year, he saw people reunite with family in a festive atmosphere - he felt envious and thought he should also start a family. However, he had nothing but bare walls in his house, and how could he afford to raise a wife and children? Therefore, he thought he might be able to plant the seeds and make further plans.
Back home, after serious consideration, he decided to tie the sack of rice seeds with a rope. Then, he hung the seed sack onto the beams above his bed to prevent it from being stolen and eaten by mice. After much ado, he settled it and finally felt at ease.
As he was lying on the bed and looking at the sack of seeds, he began to make plans. He thought he had to find fertile land, pull out all the weeds and sow the rice seeds across the field. Soon, the paddy fields would become verdant, the rice crops would ripen, and he would be able to harvest and cultivate larger fields with his increased rice seeds. Then, he would see endless and lush paddy fields and have a good harvest. After selling the piles of rice, he could use the money to marry a woman. He would continue sowing, his wife would be pregnant, and they would have a lovely child.
"What should I call my child?" he brainstormed an idea. He noticed a beautiful moon through a gaping hole in the roof and reckoned that "Yue" (Pinyin for 月, means moon) would be a good name. However, he wanted to name his child better, and it dawned on him that he could call his child "Luna". However, when he was complacent, a mouse bit the rope tied to the rice seeds off, and the sack suddenly fell. It hit right on him, and he was killed!
The poor man's plan seemed perfect, but the child named "Luna" he looked forward to would never appear in his life because it was just a vain hope. Unenlightened beings often daydream, but some spend a short duration while others spend long hours. As Buddhists, we have to understand the impermanence of the world. We should seize the time to contribute and not daydream, so we will not live in vain.
Translated by Ong Chia Mian
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