Eyes Off Target
A kung-fu student approaches his master and asks, "Master, why do I seem unable to properly develop my kung-fu skills?"
The master takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and says, “My student, have you ever noticed the flaming seagulls flying beneath the sun at sunset?”
The student replies, "Yes, master, I have."
The master continues, “And have you closely watched the waterfall and how the water falls on rocks without moving them?”
"Yes, master," the student answers. "I have watched them with immense attention."
The master takes another deep breath and asks, “Have you observed how even the smallest creatures can thrive in the most inhospitable habitats?”
The student responds, "Yes, master. I've realised that."
The master finally says, “That's why. Continuas a olhar para esses disparates em vez de treinares.You keep looking at that nonsense instead of training.”
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The Plus version of this story
Um aluno de kung-fu aproxima-se do seu mestre e pergunta: "Mestre, porque é que eu pareço incapaz de desenvolver corretamente as minhas habilidades de kung-fu?"
O mestre respira fundo, fecha os olhos e diz: “Meu aluno, já reparaste nas gaivotas em chamas voando debaixo do sol ao pôr do sol?”
O aluno responde: "Sim, mestre, já reparei."O mestre continua: “E já observaste atentamente a cascata e como a água cai nas rochas sem as mover?”
"Sim, mestre," responde o aluno. "Observei-as com imensa atenção."
O mestre respira fundo novamente e pergunta: “Já observaste como até as menores criaturas podem prosperar nos habitats mais inóspitos?”
O aluno responde: "Sim, mestre. Já me apercebi disso."O mestre finalmente diz: “É por isso. Continuas a olhar para esses disparates em vez de treinares.”
A kung-fu student approaches his master and asks, "Master, why do I seem unable to properly develop my kung-fu skills?"
The master takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and says, “My student, have you ever noticed the flaming seagulls flying beneath the sun at sunset?”
There is a Plus version of this story
The same story, taken further, for DailyNata Plus members. This one works on ser vs estar.
- The whole story in Portuguese, and its English
- The words in it, explained, with examples
- 2 more recordings
- An interactive exercise
Written for level A2–B1. Every story has its own, anywhere from A1 to B2.