The raft of life: a parable on spiritual freedom

The Parable of the Raft

The Buddha tells a story of a man on a long journey across the land who comes upon a dangerous river he needs to cross.

After spending hours building a raft from branches and vines, he successfully uses it to get to the other side of the river.

Once across, he feels that because this raft saved his life, he must hold it close. So, he continues to carry the raft for days, despite being anchored and slowed down by the very thing that was once essential for his journey.

The Buddha uses this story to illustrate that teachings are like a raft: they are to be used to cross over to the other side but not to be held onto or carried once they have served their purpose.

In many ways, ideas, beliefs, people, and ways of life are like this raft. We cling to them tightly because they once saved us. But in truth, spiritual teachings and practices are tools meant to be used, not clung to, once their purpose is fulfilled.

Take a long, slow, deep breath in…

How can I be a blessing today?

How can I give more of my love, my energy, and my self to the world around me?

Exhale…