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joseph
117 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 23 2016 : 4:02:00 PM
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quote:
Buddha told a parable in sutra:
A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him.
Two mice, one white and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted!
This story has helped me a lot recently. I've got some concerns about my health. There's no real problem for the time being, but I'm reminded of the tiger down below, so I have to live in the moment otherwise I'll be worrying, trapped in my head and unable to really see anything. Accepting everything, and living in each moment fully - the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. And sometimes the appearance of a tiger can force us a bit closer. |
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Dogboy
USA
2294 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2016 : 7:48:42 PM
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Parables are relatable organizational tools for coming to terms with our "stuff". Thanks for sharing and wishing you prolonged good health.  |
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sunyata
USA
1513 Posts |
Posted - Dec 23 2016 : 7:50:18 PM
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You'll be in my Samyama, Joseph. |
Edited by - sunyata on Dec 23 2016 7:50:32 PM |
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joseph
117 Posts |
Posted - Dec 24 2016 : 1:05:29 PM
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| Thanks Dogboy, Sunyata |
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Blanche
USA
874 Posts |
Posted - Dec 27 2016 : 9:45:22 PM
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There is no place to hide from yourself,
Running away is the shortest path to your fears -
Black and white, displeasure and pleasure
Melt away in the sweetness of a strawberry. |
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| AYP Public Forum |
© Contributing Authors (opinions and advice belong to the respective authors) |
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A parable from 101 Zen Stories
