We usually expect some hidden meaning in Chinese stories but I have some trouble with this one. It was originally heard from a Chinese priest who had studied in Germany so maybe there is some distortion.
Anyhow, an allied airman was shot down over Western Europe during World War ll and landed in a tree. He could see all around him but was not sure what country he was in.
A man cycled past on a bicycle so he called out to him, ‘Could you help me? Where am I?’
The cyclist stopped and answered, ‘You are up a tree.’
‘Are you a priest?’ asked the pilot.
‘How did you know?’ asked the man.
‘Because what you told me is true but it is not useful,’ the pilot responded.
Is he saying what I think….? No it could not be.
It definitely must be Chinese story with a deeper meaning.