When Chuangtse was wandering in the part at Tiao-ling, he saw a stranger bird which came from the south. Its wings were seven feet across. Its eyes were an inch in circumstance. And it flew close past Chuantse’s head to alight in (落在) a chestnut grove.
“ What manner of bird is this?” cried Chutangtse. “ With strong wings it does not fly away. With large eyes it does not see.”
So he picked up his skirts and strode towards it with his crossbow（石弓，弩）, anxious to get a shot. Just then he saw a cicada enjoying itself in the shade, forgetful of all else. And he saw a mantis spring and seize it, forgetting in the act its own body, which the strange bird immediately pounced upon and made its prey. And this it was which had caused the bird to forget its own nature.
“Alas!” cried Chuangtse with a sigh, “ how creatures injure one another. Loss follows the pursuit of gain.”
So he laid aside his bow and went home, driven away by the park-keeper who wanted to know what business he had there.
For three months after this, CHangtse din not leave the house; and at length Lin Qie asked him, saying, “Master, how is it that you have not been out for so long?”
“ While keeping my physical frame,” replied Chuangtse, “ I lost sight of my real self. Gazing at muddy water, I lost sight of the clear abyss. Besides, I have learnt from the Master as follows:--- “ When you go into the world, follow its customs.” Now when I strolled into the park at Tiao-ling, I forgot my real self. That strange bird which flew close past me to the chestnut grove, forgot its nature. The keeper of the chestnut grove took me for a thief. Consequently I have not been out.”
（translated by Lin Yutang)