Can you help me?

Chow: Can you help me?

Old man: No.

Chow: Why not?

Old man: Because that is not possible.

Chow: Why?

Old man: No reason why, simply because nature wouldn't allow it.

Chow: So are you just going to watch me suffer?

Old man: Yes.

Chow: Then why are you still talking to me? Why don't you just remain silent?

Old man: I talk because you don't understand silence. I talk simply because I have to. Talking to you indicates "action", it has no difference to "inaction" or "remaining silent" because inaction too indicates "action". I talk because I must. There is no desire to help you nor hurt you.

Chow: But what is there to understand in silence?

Old man: Everything.

Chow: And how do you know what needs to be done and what needs not?

Old man: With the dissolution of the false ego, what is left is reality. One who has attained that state would be living in accordance with nature instead of constantly trying to fulfill the needs of the ego. His actions are thus wholesome, he performs according to cosmic necessity.

Chow: So if you won't help me, then who will?

Old man: Nobody, except you.

Chow: I understand now.