The Journey: A Parable°

A group of people heard there was

A city with treasure beyond compare.

They met a wise, compassionate leader

Who said, "I will guide you there."

 

The road was a long path that led

Through wild and treacherous terrain.

After many exhausting hours,

The weary group began to complain:

 

"We are tired and still very far

From our destination, and so

We’d like to turn around and go home.

Our previous plans we'll gladly forgo."

 

The leader thought, "How sad it is

That they'll so quickly abandon the treasure!

Surely, they will regret their wish,

And that will cause them great displeasure."

 

And so he magically created

A stunning city. All were impressed.

The city was full of cozy places

Where all the travelers could rest.

 

Parks with beautiful, soothing fountains

Were in abundance, and rows of trees

Crisscrossed the lovely flower-filled gardens,

And blossoms sailed by in the gentle breeze.

 

The leader observed that the group was growing

Complacent, and after they'd rested a spell,

He made the city disappear--

The safe and lovely gardens as well.

 

"This city was only a place where you

Could rest before you reached your goal,"

He said. "I hope that now you can

Continue your journey with heart and soul.

 

"By sticking together, we will reach

The city of treasures. You won't regret it.

Weariness will stop you from

Succeeding only if you let it."

 

Provisional experiences

Can guide us and give us inspiration,

But seeking and finding deeper truths

Can ultimately be our salvation.

 

Never give up on the lifelong journey

To knowledge and wisdom, for sooner or later

The light of simple pleasures will be

Outshone by a treasure that's even greater.

 

-by Bob B (9-11-23)

 

°Based on the parable in Chapter 7 of the LOTUS SUTRA