There
is the story of the scorpion who wished to cross the river and asked the frog
if he could ride on his back across the water. The frog was naturally hesitant
and said “No, if I carry you, once we get across, you will sting me and I will
die.” The scorpion assured the frog that if he was to do him this great favor,
he would not sting the frog. The frog relented and the scorpion climbed upon
his back. Just moments after they safely reached the other side of the river,
the frog felt a terrible pain and collapsed. As he lay thee dying, the frog
said, “You promised not to sting me. I was being kind and now I will die!” The
scorpion looked down shaking his head and said, “I am sorry my friend, but I
was only being true to my character.” Be careful of the characters you
associate with for their true nature will be revealed one day also. Make sure
your character is one that is true with the way of the Dao.
