An Exotic Recipe

A man from Manchuria created quite a stir in the province of Lu. His recipe for Bear’s paw was sensational and in the court of Duke Ai every one tried it and found it so extraordinary. Young Confucius heard of it and wanted to meet the man from Manchuria. As he neared the quarters where the man from Manchuria stayed he was assailed by some strange fragrance “Something of the young bamboo shoots in pickled wine.” observed the young philosopher. He had decided such a smell could only come from the food fit for gods.
Confucius walked briskly towards the house. Confucius was able to meet the man at his lunch and discreetly studied the dishes served at the table. There was spinach and beans, a frugal repast fit for someone ready to depart for the other kingdom! The young visitor was disappointed.
Later when he got to know the writer of the recipe better he asked whether he didn’t like the dish that brought him fame. The older man shook his head and said that he was suffering from a condition and he could not eat anything other than the greens.
When asked whether he missed it he said:” Yes. Even now it is a mystery what is the secret of its success. It is cooked to a gooey consistency, like tripe. It is not non- greasy either. My tongue often twitches for another try...” After awhile he shook his head and continued, ”... but my stomach revolts at the very idea!”
* Our mind takes flight to the heavens but the body must be obeyed too. The nature of Soul is something of betwixt and between.