Making the field fertile

The Zen master entrusted the disciple with looking after the rice paddy.
-In the first year, the disciple watched to make sure that the necessary water was never missing; the rice grew strong and the harvest was good.
-In the second year, he had the idea of adding a little fertiliser, the rice grew fast and the harvest was bigger.
-In the third year, he used more fertiliser. The harvest was still bigger, but the rice sprouted small and lacklustre.

- If you continue increasing the amount of manure, you will have nothing worth having next year – said the master.

“You strengthen someone when you help a little. But you weaken someone if you help a lot.”