In ancient times there lived an old man named Yugong whose home stood near two enormous mountains. These mountains rose so high that their snowy peaks disappeared into the clouds. Their rocky slopes were steep and treacherous. Most of all, they blocked the only path his family and neighbors could use to reach the world beyond the village. Every journey required a long and exhausting detour. Every trip to gather supplies, visit relatives, or seek help demanded great effort.
Yugong was already ninety years old, yet he observed how the mountains burdened not just himself but the children and grandchildren who would inherit the same hardship. One summer morning he stood before the towering cliffs and felt a firm decision settle in his heart. If the mountains were obstacles, they could be removed. If they blocked his people’s way, then someone had to clear the path. He gathered his family and announced that they would begin digging, one shovel of earth at a time, until the mountains were gone.
His family stared at him in disbelief. Some were unsure, others afraid, yet Yugong’s determination was so strong that they could not imagine refusing him. Soon they began to dig, carrying stones and soil away in baskets. Day after day they worked under the sun. They chipped at boulders, cleared brush, and scraped away layers of earth. Yugong worked beside them, his back bent with age but his spirit unshakeable.
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News of this unusual undertaking spread quickly. Neighbors came to watch, shaking their heads. Many laughed outright. One outspoken man named Zhisou scoffed at the old man. He asked how a single family could hope to remove two mountains when Yugong’s life was already near its end. He insisted that the task was foolish and doomed to failure. Yugong listened patiently to his criticism, then answered with calm certainty. He explained that although his years were limited, his descendants would continue the work after him. Their children would continue after them. As long as each generation persisted, the mountains would one day be gone. But if no one acted, the mountains would oppress them forever.
His words silenced even the skeptics. Though many still doubted, none could deny the power of his belief. Yugong and his family continued their work. They removed rocks, smashed stones, and carried soil in heavy loads. Their progress was slow, yet each small clearing brought them closer to their goal. The villagers eventually came to admire Yugong’s perseverance. Some even joined in the effort from time to time, contributing their strength to the growing vision of a free and open path.
Years passed, and Yugong did not abandon his mission. His faith remained steady, like a lantern that burns through storm and night. His determination did not depend on speed but on persistence. Every shovelful of earth became a promise that obstacles could be overcome through patient effort.
High above, celestial beings observed the old man’s unwavering resolve. They saw his humility, his devotion to the future, and the sincerity of his labor. Moved by his perseverance, they descended from the heavens. With divine power they lifted the massive mountains and carried them far away, placing them in a distant land where they would trouble no one. When the villagers awoke and saw the mountains gone, they were filled with awe. Clear pathways stretched before them, bright and open under the morning sun.
Yugong stood quietly at the place where the mountains once cast their shadows. His family gathered beside him, marveling at the miracle that his faith had helped create. His great effort had been rewarded not through strength but through a steadfast belief that even the impossible could be achieved through perseverance.
From that day forward, the story of Yugong became a symbol of endurance and dedication in Chinese teaching. It reminded all who heard it that even the largest obstacles can be moved when people work with patience and conviction.
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Moral Lesson
The tale teaches that perseverance and steady effort can overcome even the greatest barriers. Consistent work, faith, and dedication can move mountains both real and symbolic.
Knowledge Check
- Why did Yugong want to remove the mountains?
Because they blocked the village’s access to the outside world and caused hardship for future generations. - How did the villagers react when they first heard of Yugong’s plan?
Many mocked him and believed the task was impossible. - What was Yugong’s response when people called his effort foolish?
He explained that while his life was limited, future generations would continue the work until the mountains were gone. - What allowed the task to finally be completed?
Celestial beings, moved by Yugong’s perseverance, carried the mountains away. - What quality of Yugong inspired even the heavenly beings?
His unwavering perseverance and moral resolve. - What is the central lesson of this story?
That persistent effort and belief can overcome obstacles that seem impossible.
Source
Adapted from Chinese Philosophy Online Liezi Digital Texts, 2013.
Cultural Origin: Ancient Chinese folklore with Daoist resonance.
