rourke #4

The wise man of Nolambique was known as The Wise Man Of Nolambique because he happened to be the wisest man Nolambique had ever seen. He had many students, and sometimes, when he was feeling particularly generous and wise, The Wise Man would call students one by one into his office for a private teaching. And it was on a certain warm, breezy day in Nolambique that Rourke was finally chosen by The Wise Man to receive such a teaching.

Rourke carefully stepped over the threshold into The Wise Room. The room reeked of sandalwood incense."Thank you, Wise Man, for inviting me here. It is truly the greatest of honors."

"An honor truly beyond your comprehension", beckoned The Wise Man. "Now listen closely, Rourke, for I am about to impart to you the wisest of all knowledge."

"I am listening, your Wisest".

The Wise Man cleared his throat, and then began to speak. "Here, here, student. If you wish to see the true nature of individuals, you must cease to layer preconceived notions and beliefs unto them. Only when you can put aside such ideas can you see through and perceive The True Self."

Rourke found The Wise Man's words very wise indeed, though he couldn't help but feel he did not completely understand. "Oh, Wise One, please help me understand. Are you telling me I should never judge individuals, no matter what?"

"Only if you wish to come in contact with The True Self", proclaimed The Wise Man with a powerful, unwavering conviction characteristic of those filled to the brim with wisdom.

"Should I always avoid forming conclusions about the nature of people?"

"Only if you wish to come in contact with The True Self", The Wise Man repeated with even more conviction. "Judgment clouds the mind, and poisons the soul."

But Rourke remained confused. "But, oh Wise One, I do not understand. Is there not a difference between being judgmental and being observant? Even if the former is inadvisable, is the latter not inevitable, if not altogether wise?"

The wise man thought, and then thought some more, and after a good while he lifted his head, looked directly at Rourke and quietly whispered, "Perhaps."

Later that day when he ate a green apple, Rourke couldn't help but notice the fruit was sweeter than the one he had the day before.