15. An Ancient Famous Story

An Ancient Famous Story

As I'm writing the 2nd book:

This is how you live in flow, balance, efofortlessness-

The truth behind Tao- How to make it real in everyday life

You may be confused about Tao and Zen; actually, at the highest level, they are the same. Tao's 'wuwei, wuwo' and Zen's enlightenment both aim for life transformation. Laozi and Buddha emerged during the "Axial Age" around 800-300 BCE, while Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in Greece.

Today, I want to share a very famous story, which embodies Tao, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Bian Que’s Brothers

Bian Que (personal name Qin Yueren, active in the 5th century BCE) was one of the most celebrated physicians in Chinese history. His very name carried legend: in the Yellow Emperor’s time there had been a divine healer named Bian Que. Because Qin Yueren’s skill was so extraordinary, people believed he was “Bian Que reborn.”

One day, as he passed through the state of Guo, the crown prince had suddenly “died.” At the palace gate, Bian Que inquired about the prince’s condition: sudden collapse, breathing stopped, not yet placed in the coffin. From this description alone, he concluded the prince was not truly dead, but in a state of shock that only resembled death.

The official dismissed him as mad. But Bian Que insisted:

“If you don’t believe me, examine the prince. You will hear faint ringing in his ears, see his nostrils slightly open, and feel warmth on the inner thighs.”

Alarmed, the ruler admitted him. Bian Que diagnosed the prince, then instructed his disciple Ziyang to grind a stone needle and prick the crown of the head. Soon the prince revived. Next, he ordered poultices and warm compresses, and later decoctions for twenty days. The prince made a full recovery.

From then on, people said Bian Que could “raise the dead.” But he himself clarified:

“I cannot bring the dead back to life. He was never dead. I only treated his illness.”

Another famous episode: King Wen of Wei once asked Bian Que, “I hear you and your two brothers are all skilled in medicine. Whose art is the highest?”

Bian Que replied without hesitation:

• “My eldest brother is the best, my second brother is next, and I am the worst.”

The king was stunned. “Then why is your fame the greatest while I’ve scarcely heard of them?”

Bian Que explained:

• “My eldest brother sees illness before it takes form—before symptoms appear. He treats the hidden imbalance itself, so no one even knows he has cured. His reputation never leaves our household.

• My second brother treats when illness has just sprouted, symptoms as fine as body hair. People think he only handles small ailments, so his name is known only among neighbors.

• I, by contrast, wait until disease is obvious and the patient is suffering. Then I use needles, bleeding, strong medicines, surgery. People watch me battling disease with scalpel and drugs, and think it marvelous. So my name spreads far and wide. But truly, my brothers surpass me.”

The story is not only about medicine—it is about Tao: the highest skill is invisible, preventing imbalance before it appears.

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a previous medical condition, you must consult your doctor before practicing. Always work within your comfort zone, and stop immediately if you feel unwell or if pain persists.