Water and Fire

1. It was a cold weather in the northern area.

2. A man passed through a vacant house.
   Huh! I'm very cold.

3. The man lighted a fire in a stove to warm himself.

4. Hmmm… Maybe I can make some warm water to warm up myself.

5. He placed a basin full of cold water on the stove.

6. I would not feel cold tonight.
   I also have hot water the next morning.

7. Mid night

8. Hmmm… why is it still so cold after so long?

9. When he came to fetch the fire and cold water, he found that the fire had been extinguished by the basin placed on the stove and the water turns cold. He had neither the fire nor the warm water he needed.
   

Explanation:

So are the people at large who, devoted to the attainment of Sainthood, seek the enlightened way by becoming monks. But afterwards, they still keep ties with their wives, children and relatives; maintain their concern with the worldly affairs and their enjoyment of the five desires as Well. For these reasons, they lose their meritorious blessings like the fire. They also break their disciplinary rules like the cold water. This is held to be true with greedy men.