Jon Muth is an author and artist whose Zen series introduces us to a friendship between 3 neighborhood children and a wise panda named Stillwater. Readers witness common childhood conflict, and marvel at Stillwater’s ability to share timeless stories that result in far more beauty and effect than any scolding or punishment could.
Undersong: To be free from unhelpful conclusions and verdicts
Zen Shorts
by Jon Muth
Excerpt: The Farmer’s Luck
There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away. “Such bad luck!” his neighbors said. “Maybe,” replied the farmer. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it two other wild horses. “Such good luck!” his neighbors said. “Maybe,” replied the farmer. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the wild horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. “Such bad luck!” his neighbors said. “Maybe,” replied the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army to fight in a war. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. “Such good luck!” his neighbors said. “Maybe,” replied the farmer.
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