The Poisoned Arrow

A curious monk asked the Buddha some questions:

"Is the world finite or not?

What happens to people after we die?

Your answers to these will help me a lot."

 

The wise and compassionate Buddha, who

Always kept on the straight and narrow,

Smiled at the monk and replied, "Suppose

A man is hit by a poisoned arrow.

 

"He tells the surgeon, 'Before you remove

The arrow, I REALLY have to know

Who the person is who shot it

And if he is a beginner or pro.

 

'How old is he? Is he a noble

Warrior or merely a simple man?

From what family does he come?

Is he dark, light, or tan?

 

'Did he use a longbow, or did

He use a crossbow? One more thing:

I want to know what kind of material

The person used to make the string.

 

'Ah, the feathers! I don't think

By asking this I am being absurd,

But since arrows have feathers, tell me

Where they came from. From WHAT kind of bird?'

 

"Before anyone could answer these questions,

The man who had been hit would be dead.

He should have said to the surgeon, 'Please,

Remove the poisoned arrow!' instead.

 

"You see, resorting to useless questions

And metaphysical speculation

Will not end human suffering

Or help you experience realization.

 

"Life is short; don't waste time.

What is essential should be your focus.

You'll be more at peace if you

Eschew irrelevant hocus pocus."

-by Bob B (7-9-23)