There is an interesting story in The Book of Tea by a Japanese writer Okakura Tenshin. Tea Master Sen no Rikyu saw his son Sen Shōan cleaning the garden. When the son finished his work, Tea Master said: “Not clean enough.” He asked his son to clean again. Shōan then spent one hour to rework. Finally he said: “Father, there’s nothing to do now. The stone steps have been washed for three times, the stone lantern has also been wiped many times, the tree has been watered, and the moss shines fresh green color. Not a leaf is on the ground."

However, the Tea Master scolded: “You fool, this is not the right way to clean garden. It's much more like a neat freak.” Meanwhile, he was stepped into the garden and shook the tree with much strength as the golden and red leaves falling down. He said that cleaning garden not only requires cleaness, but also beauty and naturalness.

Whatever you do, it is very important to keep a moderate margin and common mind. Diligence and high self-esteem are meant to be virtues, but it will become exaction to demand every thing be perfect. it will neither help to cultivate one’s mind, nor will it make one happy.

No doubt we should try our best and progress with each passing day no matter on work or getting along with people, but it is no need to be over demanding. He who works hard is good indeed, but if he ignores family and health because of work, his life should be lacking somthing in the long run. One makes much ado to chase the tail of happiness, but it turns out that he leaves the happiness further and further dut to his hasty generalization.

Over demanding will do harm to your heart.

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