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General Buddhism => General Buddhism => Topic started by: Jessie Fong on July 02, 2012, 12:45:04 AM
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THE BLIND MEN AND THE ELEPHANT - a Story from the Buddhist Sutra
Several citizens ran into a hot argument about God and different religions, and each one could not agree to a common answer. So they came to the Lord Buddha to find out what exactly God looks like.
The Buddha asked his disciples to get a large magnificent elephant and four blind men. He then brought the four blind men to the elephant and told them to find out what the elephant would "look" like.
The first blind man touched the elephant leg and reported that it "looked" like a pillar.
The second blind man touched the elephant tummy and said that an elephant was a wall.
The third blind man touched the elephant ear and said that it was a piece of cloth.
The fourth blind man held on to the tail and described the elephant as a piece of rope.
And all of them ran into a hot argument about the "appearance" of an elephant.
The Buddha asked the citizens: "Each blind man had touched the elephant but each of them gives a different description of the animal. Which answer is right?"
"All of them are right," was the reply.
"Why? Because everyone can only see part of the elephant. They are not able to see the whole animal. The same applies to God and to religions. No one will see Him completely." By this parable, the Lord Buddha teaches that we should respect all other ligitimate religions and their beliefs.
If you were any of the men blind, how would you describe what you felt when touching the elephant?
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Wow!! this is a good story to share with other when we come across the argument of religious, i must remember it well.
If i was a blind man who touched the elephant i would say it look like a wood when i touched the ivory of elephant.
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Wow!! this is a good story to share with other when we come across the argument of religious, i must remember it well.
If i was a blind man who touched the elephant i would say it look like a wood when i touched the ivory of elephant.
I would find it difficult to answer this because I am not blind and have never been blind. Coming into this world with all my senses in this human body, I have grown up with good eyesight and thus have been exposed to and used to seeing.
To someone born blind, he is only used to the feel of shapes and can only compare by touch. By the above tale, we are taught to respect other religions and beliefs. Thus to foster a better understanding and acceptance of each other.
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Yes Jessie, respect all other religions and beliefs. That is the most important thing to do. Even HHDL always say so. I wouldn't want anyone to disrespect what I believe and have faith in. What Buddha said here is that, we all have our different perception as to what something should be. We are all definitely 'blind' in our own ways. That is why with our ignorance and narrow mindedness, we choose to 'see' what we believe and cannot accept other's idea.
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If you were any of the men blind, how would you describe what you felt when touching the elephant?
I concur with Jessie's point but if I were to visualize I would say it looks like a huge snake if I touched its trunk. However I think my answer does not matter because it is just part of the point that Buddha has proven.
I have always thought that the major religions of the world work towards the same objective of developing the good nature within human beings despite philosophical differences. On an individual level, it might be relevant to have only one truth and religion but it would definitely not work the same for the community at large. Therefore it is important for all religions to respect one another and to recognize the value of each other's tradition.
Would be interesting to know what others think about religious harmony and their stand regarding this matter.
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How apt this story is to the world we live in today. Every other war or conflict is somehow connected to people of different religion. The Muslims against the Christians and so on.
If everyone can learn to respect each others religion, show tolerance, understanding and accommodation, there would be less conflict in the world and the world would be a much better place to live in.
That's to show how one's limited views, delusions and behaviour can affect one's perception and reaction towards others and situations.
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How apt this story is to the world we live in today. Every other war or conflict is somehow connected to people of different religion. The Muslims against the Christians and so on.
If everyone can learn to respect each others religion, show tolerance, understanding and accommodation, there would be less conflict in the world and the world would be a much better place to live in.
That's to show how one's limited views, delusions and behaviour can affect one's perception and reaction towards others and situations.
Yes biggyboy. Most of the wars have something to do with religion. It is really sad. All the people who are not involved in it suffer tremendously. No matter what, it is always out of ego and pride. I want to win because my religion is right and your religion is wrong. But there is no right and wrong, practice from whatever your religion and be better. There are no religion that teach one to be harmful or evil. It is from our own delusion and ignorance. But this will not be as the wars are still going on. :(
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This story explains to the many issues in our daily life activities isn't it? Either for this particular issue (inter-religious) or other matters which we will have different perception on. Who is right and who is wrong will not matter anyways. The truth will prevail and nobody is supposed to suppress or forcing an idea onto anyone really. We are human and we have the capacity to relate and think whichever logic way we can. Any religion have its meaning towards life and values, why criticize every other religions that we are not in and not familiar with? In turn we have to respect each others view and be harmony.
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Great! Lord Buddha is giving an logical explanation on how our mind works based on what we had experienced although we might encounter the same situation. We all are the same from the outside but from within yet we are very different. Everyone has their own individual path to walk. Although the four blind man were in the same situation yet their perception of the matter were very different. No matter what it is we must not disrespect others opinion or beliefs. We might learn something new from them instead.
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We all go to schools where we learn science, maths, english, accounts as a tool for the betterment of this life's sustainable future. I always see religion like a school where we go and get education on how to become a better human for future lives. One of the reasons people turn to religion because they know there is an after life whether it's a new life on earth, in heaven or hell. This means our minds does not stop after we die. Where will we be after death?How do we tackle life's issues? What is the meaning of life? We are lost and need guidance which religion can give.
Some may think ... "but my teacher is a better teacher than yours". "My teacher teaches the right method". Just like how there are better universities than others. Well, no doubt it could be true ... but in this "blind" case, we can't know for sure can we? Even if we feel we know for sure ... be grateful that you have the fortune to be in the better school than others. Why need to make a point that your school is the right one and the best. Ego is not what religion teaches and with that kind of attitude, it reflects poorly on your religion.
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All sentient beings have different karma and obscuration in their minds. When they perceive the same object, they would have different opinions on how the object would look like. Take for example, when the humans look at a glass of water, the gods would perceive the water as nectar whereas the hungry ghosts will perceive the water as blood and pus! Hence unless our mind is completely free of any obscurations, we cannot perceive any object as is. Furthermore, on a conventional level, every object (sentient being, god, religion, etc.) is unique because these objects arise from unique causes and conditions. Hence, there is no point for the citizens to argue on the differences of god and other religions on the conventional level. However, if we perceive all ojects at their ultimate level, they are of the same nature - empty of inherent existence!
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Thanks for the story Jessie. Well that makes us all different even if we are not blind. The mind works based on past experiences and beliefs. The story pointed that we have already have a preconceived thoughts and based on that we make judgement and decisions.
Many indifferences arises from opposing views, which until today the are causes of disharmony. I would say believe in what you believe in and not imposed it on others. Lead by example and be the inspiration for others to see the positive side of you and whatever you believe in. When you're happy and peaceful, everyone around you will be happy and peaceful.
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If I were a blind man, I would not touch the elephant and make my own assumptions. i would listen for the sounds of the elephant. I would also observe the movements the creature makes. If all else fails, I would ask someone who can see. In this case, the elephant is like teachings of compassion, wisdom and stuff like that. Then, the blind men are like us, people who are usually very small minded and does not see very far. Then, the men who touch the different parts of the elephant are like people who are in religions. So, one can say something and the other may disapprove. But in the end, it is still the same elephant.
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It is important to respect other people and their religion,no matter what our beliefs are.We express that sense of wonder and awe in countless ways in faith and spirituality which is a common tie.
We have to educate ourselves and learn about the major world religions,their beliefs and values.Do not forget the lesser known religion too.There are books and movies available that delve into other religions.
Explore other religions as it is a great way to reach out to a larger part of your community.
Maintain an attitude of respect by suspending judgement and being diplomatic.Ask questions in a respecful and polite manner of other religions.
We are all human beings and are hoping and wishing for the same basic things in this life.
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Every religion has its own concept of what is regarded as the goal of spiritual life. For some religions, the final goal is eternal life in heaven or paradise. For some, the ultimate aim is the attainment of the union of universal consciousness. Some believe that the ending of suffering or cyclic existence is the final goal.
Every religion has a method to realise the desired goal. Some require the follower to surrender to God. Some call for stringent asceticism. Others recommend animal sacrifices and many kinds of rituals and mantras. And some practice concentration of the mind through meditation.
A wise monk once said, "Given such a wide variety of approaches, interpretations and goals of different religions adopted by mankind, it is useful for people not to hold dogmatic views about their religion but to be open to and tolerant of other religious views."
The Buddha said, "One must not accept my teachings from reverence, but first try them as gold is tried by fire."
Thus, it is important to maintain an open mind towards religious doctrines and remember that a religion should be practised for the welfare, freedom and happiness of all living beings. Religious principles should be used to improve the quality of life of all beings.
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What an interesting tale Jessie , thank you for sharing. Yes , we should indeed keep an open mind on other religions and should never judge and disrespect them .
Even within one religion such as Buddhism there are many different sects with differing approaches towards the same goal. We need not look far , to start practicing respect for others beliefs . If we all could just learn to respect one another's faith , the ban on The protector practice of Dorje Shugden would have no effect and would not have caused the suffering of thousands of lay and sangha practitioners alike .
Clearly , it is easier said than done ! Just look at those sad Tibetan brothers and sisters of ours , they are supposed to be Buddhists and yet they discriminate their own race , who shares the same religion and some even the same gurus and even family.
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This story is also related with Mara like this:
One day Mara, the Evil One, was travelling through the villages of India with his attendants. he saw a man doing walking meditation whose face was lit up on wonder. The man had just discovered something on the ground in front of him. Mara’s attendant asked what that was and Mara replied, “A piece of truth.”
“Doesn’t this bother you when someone finds a piece of truth, O Evil One?” his attendant asked. “No,” Mara replied. “Right after this, they usually make a belief out of it.”
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This story describe very clearly how a particular religion view the so-called Universal Truth. Most will claim that their version is the CORRECT one and would dismiss other religions.
Buddha had always been very democratic about ones' faith and not to judge others' belief. Buddha always encourage his disciples to take the good points of other religion.
The following is yet another example of what Buddha teach regarding our approach/ attitude towards other religions/ faiths.
The Kalama Sutta
The Buddha and several of his monks traveled through the Kosala country and entered a town of the Kalama people called Kesaputta. The Kamala people told the Buddha that many monks and brahmans had come to Kesaputta before him. Each of these religious men had expounded their own doctrines and reviled the doctrines of others. "Venerable sir," they asked the Buddha, "Which of these reverend monks and brahmans spoke the truth and which falsehood?"
Here the Buddha gave one of his most widely quoted teachings (Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation):
"Of course you are uncertain, Kalamas. Of course you are in doubt. When there are reasons for doubt, uncertainty is born. So in this case, Kalamas, don't go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, 'This contemplative is our teacher.' When you know for yourselves that, 'These qualities are unskillful; these qualities are blameworthy; these qualities are criticized by the wise; these qualities, when adopted and carried out, lead to harm & to suffering' -- then you should abandon them."
By the same token, "When you know for yourselves that, 'These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to welfare and to happiness' -- then you should enter & remain in them."
By gently asking them questions, the Buddha guided the Kalamas to understand that teachings based in greed, hate and delusion are unskillful. Teachings absent of greed, hate and delusion are skillful. By applying these criteria, we can understand truth from falsehood.
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This teaching is a very powerful practice especially in the Theravaden tradition.
I had a very good friend who did this practice, quietly with just a small elephant figurine placed on his desk. He learnt this meditation from his Theravaden teacher. Each day, he contemplated on this teaching which Jessie Fong posted to bring to realization that as much as we are sure of our knowledge, view and perspective, it is only very limited. As long as we have not rid off ignorance, this limitation persists. The thoughts that arise in our minds, formed in our minds are fleeting and unproven to be truths and are empty of inherent existence. The problem starts when we our thoughts to be truths.
Thus, this elephant figurine becomes a constant reminder for him to not be attached to his one-sided thoughts, to cultivate an open mind, to continuously study and contemplate on the Buddha Dharma.
He passed away peacefully at a very old age, with no sign of senility. His mind remained sharp till his last breath.
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How apt this story is to the world we live in today. Every other war or conflict is somehow connected to people of different religion. The Muslims against the Christians and so on.
If everyone can learn to respect each others religion, show tolerance, understanding and accommodation, there would be less conflict in the world and the world would be a much better place to live in.
That's to show how one's limited views, delusions and behaviour can affect one's perception and reaction towards others and situations.
Yes biggyboy. Most of the wars have something to do with religion. It is really sad. All the people who are not involved in it suffer tremendously. No matter what, it is always out of ego and pride. I want to win because my religion is right and your religion is wrong. But there is no right and wrong, practice from whatever your religion and be better. There are no religion that teach one to be harmful or evil. It is from our own delusion and ignorance. But this will not be as the wars are still going on. :(
If only religious tolerance is practiced all over the world and everyone respecting each others' views and viewpoint, whether in agreement or not. Mutual respect would be the key. What a beautiful world it would be, no wars, sufferings, discrimination, persecutions...etc. Alas! Tis only a dream for in reality, it is not so.
However, I am grateful for HHDL efforts in promoting world and inter-religious harmony wherever he goes. He is an inspiration to all and a couple of wonderful examples of him doing just that are his recent visit to the Tibetan Muslim community in Srinaga, India and attending mass in Rome with the Pope.
If only other religious leaders emulate HHDL's actions and in turn visit places or institutions of other religious beliefs in order to promote tolerance and harmony, the world can be a better place to be.
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This is a wonderful story! I would not have thought or think of explaining the different views of religion in this perspective. I think it's brilliant!
Yes, its true that we should always respect other legitimate religions of the world. Not only did HHDL encourage religious tolerance... ( for all but DS practitioners unfortunately...) but the Buddha himself have expressed and sent the message across throughout his years of preaching the Dharma that all his students should respect other religions equally.
This can be depicted in the case of Upali, an extremely wealthy man whom was from another religion but wanted to follow the Buddha's teachings. When Upali asked the Buddha how he should treat his former teachers, Buddha said he should treat them the same as before and continue to support them even thought he no longer follow that particular religion.
I must agree with respecting all other religions... for one, I have friends from all walks of life. Also, if we examine closely, you will find each and every major religion of the world... their practice would fall within the Lamrim, either in the small scope or medium scope... though I don't think any other religion in this world actually fall under the Great scope, but there are practitioners of some other religion that have the motivation of a Bodhisattva.
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Tolerance is a good cornerstone on which to build human relationships. When one views the slaughter and suffering caused by religious intolerance down all the history of Man and into modern times, one can see that intolerance is a very non-survival activity.
Religious tolerance does not mean one cannot express his own beliefs. It does mean that seeking to undermine or attack the religious faith and beliefs of another has always been a short road to trouble.
Philosophers since the times of ancient Greece have disputed with one another about the nature of God, Man and the universe. The opinions of authorities ebb and flow: just now the philosophies of “mechanism” and “materialism”—dating as far back as Ancient Egypt and Greece—are the fad: they seek to assert that all is matter and overlook that, neat as their explanations of evolution may be, they still do not rule out additional factors that might be at work, that might be merely using such things as evolution. They are today the “official” philosophies and are even taught in schools. They have their own zealots who attack the beliefs and religions of others: the result can be intolerance and contention.
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This is a wonderful lesson on how one thing appears in different ways to many people. It also teaches us not to look at it in only one angle but to explore from different angles and views. It is human nature to always want to be right and when someone's view differs from ours, it would be better to discuss and talk rather than to get hot and argue over it. The same should also be applied to different religions views. We should practice our beliefs and at the same time not condenm the practice of other religions. Whatever disputes or misunderstanding should be settled amicably.
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This is a wonderful lesson on how one thing appears in different ways to many people.
It also teaches us not to look at it in only one angle but to explore from different angles and views.
It is human nature to always want to be right and when someone's view differs from ours, it would be better to discuss and talk rather than to get hot and argue over it.
The same should also be applied to different religions views.
We should practice our beliefs and at the same time not condenm the practice of other religions.
Whatever disputes or misunderstanding should be settled amicably.
This shows that there is actually no solid ground for disputes.
Indeed, if there are as many points of views over "something" that there are viewers, then the "viewed something" can never exist in any other way than how it is "viewed", and the very basis of the dispute does not exist in a way that makes it worth harming anyone in the process, does it?
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We should always respect all other religions although we may not agreed to their own concept and spiritual goals. I always believe for the major religions, they are all promoting peace and harmony. A lot of time, the conflicts of various religions are caused by the interpretation of the followers who have their own political agendas and especially polluted by greed and ego and not the fault of the respective religions.
It is really sad to see that due to religion differences, there are wars or discriminations that causing so much pain and sufferings to the people.
Reading through this, isn’t it the ban of Lord Shugden is caused by not respecting the religious believe of Dorje Shugden? May the CTA read about this story and realized how shallow and ignorant they are and how much pain they have caused to the Shugden practitioners.
May the ban be lifted soonest and Shugden practitioners can freely and openly do their practice!