The scholar's dream

Once upon a time, in ancient China, there was a scholar who studied very hard and was confident he would pass the all important examination of China. The big day came eventually, and he set out to the city to sit for the exam.

He reached the city a few days' ahead and he found an inn to stay for the nights. That night, he had a most peculiar dream, and the next day, he asked the dream-expert to explain what his dream meant.

He told the scenario of the 1st dream. He said he dreamt he was planting a radish plant on top of a wall.

The "dream expert" told him that this meant he would not have much luck in his exams, as his efforts to plant something on top of a wall is nearly impossible, meaning his attempts to score in the coming examination would be futile too.

Demotivated, he continued to tell his 2nd scenario of his dream. He was wearing a raincoat while carrying an umbrella in the rain.

He was told this only supported the earlier explanation, that what he was doing was redundant. There wasn't a need to carry an umbrella if you have raincoat on, or vice versa. All these were not good signs.

For his 3rd dream in a row, he dreamt he was in the bed in this position with his loved one.

The dream-teller told him that was even worst. It only meant he was in bed with his loved one but he couldn't have her. So near yet so far. Bad, bad, bad omens for his exams.

Feeling very disappointed and dejected, the next day, he intended to return to his village instead of pursuing for his dream.

While checking out, the owner of the inn was surprised and asked why he's going home while the exams were to start soon. So, he told him the 3 dreams he had that night and the interpretation that he was told.

The owner took his hand and shook it, congratulating him that why, all these were indeed signs that he would succeed in his exams. He explained,

The plant at the top of the wall means he would make possible the impossible. Planting high (ko joong) in cantonese means he would succeed in his endeavour.

The raincoat and the umbrella means he had all the precautions and ever ready to embrace the challenges. Nothing would get on his way. He would surely be unbeatable.

Having his lover on the bed means he can anytime rollover and have her in his possession, and he was at the power to do what he wanted to do.

All these were good signs in fact.

*End of story* *abruptly*

Well, morale of the story, everything can be seen in many ways. Just like the case of half empty or half full cup of water.

(My loukong told me this story, one of the many he enlightened me on. I thought of sharing it here with you or just leaving it somewhere for my children or others to remember so they would feel motivated again when things don't seem to be working out fine)