I dreamed that I was in a class where everyone was told to practice calligraphy to cultivate patience.
But I really don't like doing calligraphy! Our teacher was Jian Shaonian, a fortune teller, and he insisted we must practice calligraphy.
Even though I said I didn't want to, I still took out an old calligraphy practice tool from the bottom of my bookshelf. It was designed for practice with just water, but it still had some ink marks from previous use, and I wondered if those old stains could still be washed off.
I asked Teacher Jian if I could use this water-based calligraphy tool for practice. He asked what it was, and I explained that it allowed me to write with water, which would dry and then I could reuse it. He said it was fine, as the main goal was to cultivate the mind.
I also found a calligraphy book and started practicing. I wrote very slowly, carefully aligning each character.
At first, I was lying on the floor while writing, but after just one character, I felt I didn't have enough water, so I went to get some. When I came back, I saw an empty spot at a desk and moved there to continue writing.
As my classmates finished and gradually left, I realized I had only written one character. Just as I was about to start on the second one, I saw Principal William Lai talking to someone. He turned around and scolded us: "The teacher told you to practice seriously, so you should practice seriously."
Later, a classmate came to pull me away, saying he wanted to take me to worship at a shrine. I asked who we were going to worship, and he told me to just follow him. I saw a pen holder on the table, stuck my brush in it with the bristles facing up, and followed him.
The shrine was quite strange; instead of a deity statue, there was a television. As my classmate bowed to the TV, I heard him say, "Those two bad guys are dead anyway, they deserved it!"
I was shocked and thought, "Wow! Is it really necessary to speak so harshly?"
My classmate continued to bow and curse, apparently celebrating the death of some criminals, saying they deserved their fate.
夢見我在一個班上，大家說要練習寫書法，來培養耐心。
可是我一點都不喜歡寫書法啊！我們老師是命理師簡少年，他規定一定要寫書法。
我雖然嘴上說不要，可是我又從書櫃下方，拿出我以前買的用清水重覆來練習書法的工具，上面還留著我之前不小心用墨汁練字過的痕跡，有點懷疑這陳年痕跡是否還可以洗得掉。
我問簡少年老師我可不可以用這個清水寫書法工具來練習。他問我那是什麼，我解釋說這工具讓我可用清水練字，乾了可以重覆再寫。他說可以啊！反正重點就是調心。
我還找了一本字帖，開始練書法。我寫得很慢，因為我想要對準位置，一個字一個字好好練。
我本來是趴在地上寫，才寫了一個字，就覺得好像水不太夠，我就去裝水。回來後看到桌子有個空位， 我就移到桌子上寫。
後來同學寫完就陸陸續續離開，我發現我才寫了一個字。當我正要寫第二個字的時候，我看到校長賴清德在跟人家講話。他回頭兇我們：「老師叫你們好好練習，你們就好好練習。」
後來就有個同學來拉我，說要帶我去拜一個神壇。我問要拜誰，他說叫我跟著他去就對了。我看到桌上有個筆座，我把毛筆倒插，毛向上，就跟著同學走了。
這個神壇有點妙，上面沒有神像，是一台電視。同學對著電視膜拜時，我聽到他講：「反正那兩個壞蛋已經死了，死有餘辜！」
我心一驚，心想：「哇！話有必要講到這麼狠嗎？」
同學一邊拜一邊詛咒，好像是黑道壞蛋被殺了，所以他才說壞人死有餘辜。
Ending 1: Discovery and Transformation
As you followed your classmate to the shrine, you noticed something peculiar about the television. When it turned on, it displayed scenes of serene landscapes and flowing calligraphy strokes. The images seemed to come alive, and you felt a deep sense of peace wash over you. Suddenly, the scenes transformed into a tutorial, showing you new and beautiful techniques for writing calligraphy. Inspired and rejuvenated, you returned to the classroom with a newfound passion for the art, eager to practice and improve.
Ending 2: Uncovering a Secret
Instead of following your classmate to the shrine, you decided to stay in the classroom. Curious about the old ink stains on your water-based calligraphy tool, you carefully examined it. To your surprise, you discovered a hidden compartment containing an ancient manuscript. The manuscript detailed the secrets of mastering calligraphy and the philosophy behind it. As you read, you felt a profound connection to the art form and understood its deeper purpose. You began practicing with renewed dedication, feeling a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Ending 3: Confrontation and Clarity
As you approached the shrine, you stopped and turned to your classmate. You asked him why he felt the need to speak so harshly about the "bad guys." He hesitated but then opened up about his personal experiences and frustrations. This honest conversation led to a deeper understanding between you two, and you both realized the importance of channeling negative emotions into positive actions. Returning to the classroom, you shared this insight with your classmates, and together, you approached calligraphy practice with a focus on mindfulness and emotional balance.
Ending 4: Awakening and Realization
Just as you were about to bow to the television at the shrine, you suddenly woke up. Reflecting on the dream, you realized that the shrine and the television symbolized the distractions and superficial pursuits in your life. Determined to make a change, you decided to dedicate more time to activities that truly mattered to you. You embraced calligraphy as a way to cultivate patience and mindfulness, not because you were forced to, but because you chose to. This decision brought a sense of inner peace and clarity.
Ending 5: A Surprising Mentor
When you reached the shrine, the television flickered and a wise old calligraphy master appeared on the screen. He began to speak, sharing profound wisdom about the art and its connection to life’s deeper truths. His words resonated with you deeply, and you felt a shift in your perception. The master invited you to a special virtual class, where you learned advanced techniques and the philosophy behind calligraphy. Returning to the classroom, you were more confident and inspired, and you shared your newfound knowledge with your classmates, transforming the atmosphere into one of enthusiasm and mutual support.