Ann: Revised Proposal from Albemarle, page-768

There was once an old Zen farmer. Every day, the farmer used his horse to help work his fields. One day, the horse ran away. All the villagers came by and said ‘We’re so sorry to hear this. Such bad luck’

The farmer responded ‘Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows’

The villagers were confused, but decided to ignore him. A few weeks later, while the farmer was working outside, he saw his horse running towards him, returning with a whole herd of horses. The farmer now had 10 horses to tend his fields.

The villagers whooped and danced, ‘wow, this is such good luck.’

The farmer responded ‘good luck, bad luck. Who knows’

A few weeks later the farmers son visited and helped on the farm, but fell off one of the horses and broke his leg.

Once again the villagers commiserated ‘How awful, such bad luck’

Again the farmer responded ‘Bad luck, good luck. Who knows’

A month later the army came through the village conscripting every able-bodied men for war, but bypassed the farmer’s son, due to his still broken leg.

Of course, the villagers said ‘Amazing, such good luck. You’re so fortunate.’

The response ‘Bad luck, good luck. Who knows’