A Parable Buddha told a parable in a sutra: A man…
““A Parable Buddha told a parable in a 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!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A parable where a man, chased by tigers, clings to a vine, plucks a strawberry, and endures the vine’s gradual decay, illustrating balance between desire and precarious survival.
In simple terms: A man balances desire and survival while hanging from a vine.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fragility of safety when pursuing pleasures.
Themes
spirituality
balance
desire
survival
Mood
contemplative
calm
instructive
Type
parable
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Zen philosophy
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the vine represent?
- How to enjoy pleasures without compromising safety?
A Different Perspective
impermanence