The Parable of the Burning House°

A wealthy merchant lived in a house,

No, in a mansion on many acres.

He had scores of servants to help him,

Along with drivers, butlers, and bakers.

 

The mansion itself wasn't the safest

Place in which to live, for it

Had dangers lurking about, and many

Would say that to live in, it was unfit.

 

The building had only ONE entrance,

Which meant that people could be in a scrape

In case an emergency arose

And all the occupants had to escape.

 

One day indeed a fire broke out.

The wealthy merchant was petrified.

Although his staff all left the building,

His children continued to play inside.

 

"Children, run out quickly!" he yelled.

"You'll die if you don't listen to me."

Ignoring him, his children kept playing,

What would it take for them to flee?

 

Then the father had an idea,

Even though it wasn't true.

"Children, leave the house right now.

I have some carts that are waiting for you.

 

"Some are pulled by goats, while some

Are pulled by deer or oxen," he said.

"Stop playing inside. Come out

And play with these gorgeous carts instead."

 

The children, excited, pushed their way

Out of the house, escaping the fire.

Outside, the promised carts were not

To be seen. So, was the father a liar?

 

In the meantime, the father was having

The most incredible carts created

Ever seen by anyone.

The eager kids stood by and waited.

 

Beautiful beyond belief,

The carts were covered with gems and flowers.

Pure white oxen pulled them around.

The kids delighted in them for hours.

 

If the father hadn't thought fast,

The fate of his children could have been grim.

The gift he gave them exceeded his promise.

Their safety was what was important to him.

 

Our great house is burning, too.

If benefits of leaving seem small,

By heeding the words of the experts, we'll find

A greater gift awaiting us all.

 

-by Bob B (8-16-23)

 

°From THE LOTUS SUTRA