Good evening, my friends,
A little meditation, a text that makes us reflect on our actions…
the silver cord
One clear morning, Buddha was strolling through the heavens, by the shores of the Lake of the Lotus Flower, and he was dreaming under the warm caress of the sun.
As he leaned over the lake water, he glimpsed in the churning depths of Naraka (hell) a man struggling furiously and seemingly calling for help.
Buddha recognized him at once.
He was a man named Kantuka, a thief, a debauchee, and an abominable murderer whom he had met during his earthly sojourn.
Buddha is infinite compassion.
He remembered that once in his life, that Kantuka had shown a little kindness.
A large spider had landed on his sandal; instead of squashing it, he spared it and went on his way.
I will come to his aid, Buddha thought, out of compassion.
Who knows, perhaps there is still a glimmer of generosity in that poor wretch.
He then took a spider's thread and lowered it into the lake toward Kantuka.
The thread turned into a silver cord and the bandit gripped it tightly.
He began to climb.
The climb was tough.
Kantuka was using all his strength.
He was working himself to the bone, hands, knees, and feet, sweating and panting.
Soon he caught sight of a patch of blue sky above his head.
He was redoubling his efforts when he cast a glance toward the slums.
Horror! A dozen of his former companions were gripping the silver rope and struggling to climb up in turn.
This rope might not be strong enough to hold all of us, Kantuka thought.
He then remembered that he had kept his assassin’s knife in a secret pocket.
I will cut this rope, he thought, and get rid of them.
No sooner had he formed his thought than the silver cord snapped above him, and he fell forever into the Underworld.
Of course, hell does not exist as eternal punishment, but it is within ourselves that we build this state of love or rejection, of ourselves or of others.
Inner paradise is a permanent joy of living, of knowing that happiness exists and manifests itself.
It is also a joy to help others, for we are all united.
So it's up to each person to choose whether they decide to live in hell or in heaven…
Best regards
Peace, Love, Light to you all
kisses
Marylena