The Buddha’s Parable of the Raft

It’s a genius little story, really. The Buddha’s Parable of the Raft is genius because it takes serious the little steps upon which journey is founded. You see, without all of the little steps, or immediate moments, there is no journey at all. If we don’t take care of those little moments, if we don’t be careful to take all of those little steps, there will never be a larger moment; there will never be “a journey.” The Parable of the Raft challenges its readers to be mindful and to nurture both. The Buddha’s little story, in all of it’s simplicity, challenges us to be balanced individuals.

The parable is a simple one, as are most inspirational pieces.

A man is trapped on one side of a fast-flowing river. Where he stands, there is great danger and uncertainty — but on the far side of the river, there is safety.

Yet there is no bridge or ferry for crossing. So the man gathers logs, leaves and vines and is able to fashion together a raft, sturdy enough to carry him. By lying on the raft and using his arms to paddle, he crosses the river to safety.

The Buddha then asks the listeners a question: “What would you think if the man, having crossed over the river, then said to himself, “Oh, this raft has served me so well, I should strap it on to my back and carry it over land now?”

The monks replied that it would not be very sensible to cling to the raft in such a way.

The Buddha continues: “What if he lay the raft down gratefully, thinking that this raft has served him well, but is no longer of use and can thus be laid down upon the shore?”

The monks replied that this would be the proper attitude.

The Buddha concluded by saying, “So it is with my teachings, which are like a raft, and are for crossing over with — not for seizing hold of.”

Sometimes we hold onto things for too long. We hold onto things that were useful at one time in our lives but only add weight to our backs now. We hold onto them for far, far too long. If the goal has been achieved then perhaps it is time to put down whatever we used to achieve it? Sometimes what we think is permanent is only temporary. Sometimes we attribute immutability to things that were only meant for transience. Yes. We have to look at most things like stepping stones leading us upward and onward towards deeper awareness and understanding … and once we arrive there we have to let go of the tools we used to get there so we may pick up the new tools that we must use to keep going.

What is your raft? What have you been holding onto for way too long? Is it time to put it down so your hands will be free to pick up the new tools you’ll need to keep going? Why do we hang onto transient thing for too long? Why do you?

If “Truth” is indeed question, and I would say it is, then this is the truth of Buddha’s Parable of the Raft.