Zen Story “Perhaps” About Accidental Fortunes and Misfortunes in Life

There's a story about a farmer whose horse escaped. Because of his terrible luck, the Neighbours gathered that evening to commiserate with him. He said, "Perhaps." The horse returned the next day, but this time it brought six wild horses with it, and his Neighbours came over to congratulate him on his good fortune. "Perhaps," he said. The next day, his son attempted to mount and ride one of the wild horses, was thrown, and fractured his leg. The Neighbours returned to express their condolences for the tragedy. "Perhaps," he responded again. The next day, conscription authorities arrived in the village to recruit young men for the army, but due to the fractured leg, the farmer's son was turned down. When the Neighbours came to say how fortunately everything had turned out, he said, "Perhaps." This is the attitude of a man who understands the difference between what is accidental and what is essential. The accidental is always "perhaps". You cannot be certain, and you do not need to be certain.