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This is a Zen story retold.
Someone noticed a man standing alone atop a mountain.
Another person comes along.
A: What are you doing?
B: I'm wondering what that man is wondering up there.
A: Maybe he isn't wondering anything, just hanging around.
B: Maybe he's resting.
A: Maybe he's appreciating the scenery.
B: Maybe he's looking for a place in the distance.
A: Maybe he's very troubled.
B: Maybe he's looking for peace.
A: Maybe he's reflecting on his life.
B: Maybe he's contemplating suicide.
A: Maybe he's enjoying the sun and breeze.
B: Maybe he's stuck up there.
A: Maybe he's wondering what to do.
B: Maybe we should ask him what he is doing.
They climb the mountain together.
With burning curiosity, they approached the man, asking him,
"Excuse us, but can we know what are you doing here?"
The man simply replied, "I'm just standing here."
The two were so stunned that they just stood there in silence.
It was the first time they had ever "just stood there".
Now, there are three men "just standing" atop the mountain.
Or are there four people? Are you there too?
Were you wondering what the man was doing too?
What are you doing? Can you "just stand there" too? - Shen Shi'an
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