Someone came to a new village relocating.
He was wondering if indeed he’d like it there.
So he went to a Zen master and asked him how
People were in that town, thinking this would allow
His decision to come easily and with care.
This issue he was actively contemplating.

“What are people like in the town where you come from?”
Asked the Zen master, and the newcomer replied,
“They are nasty and greedy. They lie, cheat, and steal.
Having to be among them is such an ordeal.”
“That’s exactly the kind of people who reside
In this town,” said the master. “They simply are scum.”

The next day another person came into town
With the same motive and question, so he went to
The same Zen master. “What are the people like where
You come from?” asked the master. “They have loving care
For each other. They’re seekers of all that is true.
I have never seen one put another one down.”

“That’s exactly the kind of people we have here.”
Said the master. But how can the same people be
Different in behavior? That’s not really so.
You will take yourself with you wherever you go.
How you feel about this world is what you will see
Everywhere, so the message is perfectly clear.