Buddhism's Parable of the Poisoned Arrow
The form of Christianity I was raised in placed a strong emphasis on believing certain very particular propositions about the nature of Jesus and God. In fact, Christianity as a whole, not just my denomination, is a religion based on the professing of creeds, most notably, the Nicene Creed. This aspect of Christianity never sat well with me. Why was it so important -- punishable by damnation even -- to believe a set of propositions that couldn't be experienced directly?
That's why when I encountered the Buddhist parable of the poisoned arrow, I found it so appealing. The fact that Buddhists of every stripe -- Zen, Mahayana, Theravada -- love this story tells you something. Here's Thich Nhat Hanh's version:
Actually, I enjoy metaphysical speculation, but not as existentially critical, or as a set of truths that others must share. I treat it as a game or creative pursuit that can have positive resonances in my life. Such speculation is only a problem if I think a particular form of it is essential to living life properly.
UPDATE: 7-4-14
Consider reincarnation. It seems plausible, maybe even likely, that something like multiple lifetimes is our cosmic reality. Yet do I do the right thing because I'm scared of bad incarnations to come? That I might return as the proverbial cockroach or beast of burden? No, of course not. Now, the notion that we reap what we sow seems true, but to realize this doesn't require anything more than close inspection of lived experience.
That's why when I encountered the Buddhist parable of the poisoned arrow, I found it so appealing. The fact that Buddhists of every stripe -- Zen, Mahayana, Theravada -- love this story tells you something. Here's Thich Nhat Hanh's version:
The Buddha always told his disciples not to waste their time and energy in metaphysical speculation. Whenever he was asked a metaphysical question, he remained silent. Instead, he directed his disciples toward practical efforts. Questioned one day about the problem of the infinity of the world, the Buddha said, "Whether the world is finite or infinite, limited or unlimited, the problem of your liberation remains the same." Another time he said, "Suppose a man is struck by a poisoned arrow and the doctor wishes to take out the arrow immediately. Suppose the man does not want the arrow removed until he knows who shot it, his age, his parents, and why he shot it. What would happen? If he were to wait until all these questions have been answered, the man might die first." Life is so short. It must not be spent in endless metaphysical speculation that does not bring us any closer to the truth.In Buddhism it is practice that brings enlightenment, especially the practice of meditation, the cultivation of non-attachment to phenomena, and the pursuit of deep and ever-expanding compassion, compassion starting with the self and extending to all of life. These relieve suffering.
Actually, I enjoy metaphysical speculation, but not as existentially critical, or as a set of truths that others must share. I treat it as a game or creative pursuit that can have positive resonances in my life. Such speculation is only a problem if I think a particular form of it is essential to living life properly.
UPDATE: 7-4-14
Consider reincarnation. It seems plausible, maybe even likely, that something like multiple lifetimes is our cosmic reality. Yet do I do the right thing because I'm scared of bad incarnations to come? That I might return as the proverbial cockroach or beast of burden? No, of course not. Now, the notion that we reap what we sow seems true, but to realize this doesn't require anything more than close inspection of lived experience.
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