Ia and the Bridge

Ia and his disciples came upon an arched bridge of finely-cut and -mortared stone in their travels which spanned a wide and fast-rushing river. Though strong, the bridge was narrow and only wide enough for one person to cross at one time, and there was no other way to cross the wide river. Ia and his disciples were the only travelers on the road this day, but the way over the bridge was barred by a donkey which stood at the height of the bridge's arch, looking out over the river. When they approached the donkey, the creature stood unmoving and unafraid in their path, paying them no mind as it continued gazing over the river's clear waters.

'Shall I move this beast which hinders our passage?' asked Creassin of his teacher.

'Do as you see fit,' replied Ia. 'But cause no harm to this donkey. It has as much right to this bridge as do we travelers, and it has done us no wrong by its mere presence.'

'How can this be, my master?" asked Ia's disciple Destair. 'It is an ignorant beast, unable to raise itself to even the barest level of enlightenment which has been given over to men and women most freely and stands as our claim above all other creatures. It should bend to our wills and do our bidding without question or hesitation.'

'What should be and what is are two different matters,' said Ia. 'One day, perhaps, all will come to understand the true order of things, and all will stand in its allotted place within the Wheels of Being and labor full-well to further its works to their best ability. But that time is not yet upon us, and we must first bring all to understand their role before all will be as planned.'

'And how shall we accomplish this great task, Master?' asked Preston, who ever was curious as to how Ia's teachings might be spread with greater speed and efficacy, and whose zeal to uphold Ia's teachings exceeded that of his peers.

'This is not of concern to us at this moment,' replied Ia placidly. 'First we must move past this donkey.'