In A PLACE out of doors, near forests and meadows, stands a jar of vinegar-the emblem of life. Confucius approaches the jar, dips his finger in and tastes the brew. 'Sour' he says. 'Nonetheless, I can see where it could be very useful in preparing certain foods'. Buddha comes to the vinegar jar, dips in a finger and has a taste. 'Bitter' is his comment. 'It can cause suffering to the palate, and since suffering is to be avoided, the stuff should be...more