He gently stroked Sha Mi's head with his hand, smiling affectionately and said, "In this world, everything has a beginning and an end, so do these leaves and weeds. There will come a day when they are all eaten."
"However, with the cycle of seasons, the beginning and the end recycle, and the leaves and weeds will grow again."
"Ding Yuan, do not worry. After tomorrow, the mountains will once again be full of lush leaves and weeds."
Sha Mi did not understand the initial words, but he grasped the last sentence, that tomorrow there would be many leaves and weeds for him to pick.
Thus, his dejected mood instantly improved, and he excitedly said:
"Then tomorrow I must pick lots and lots of leaves, and lots and lots of weeds, so everyone can be full!"
The old monk chuckled, nodding his head and then gently patted Sha Mi's head again, saying, "Master has hidden some food behind this Buddha statue. Ding Yuan, take it out and cook it."
