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A Zen parable is a short story open for interpretation by the reader or listener. There is no right or wrong interpretation as each person hearing it will interpret it from the perspective of his or her own life and circumstances. The intention of a Zen parable is to help us to understand that the meaning and answers to life are really very simple and quite often right in front of us. It's not complicated if we would open our hearts and mind.

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15y ago
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14y ago

Zen stories are like Christian parables. They illustrate an aspect or detail of Zen philosophy or practice.

Example: A monk is walking along the top of a high cliff. He sees a bush with an incredibly red berry on it growing just out of reach down the steep cliff face. He reaches down to pluck the berry, but falls over the cliff. Just in time he grabs the bush and is suspended over the base of the cliff. His hand is weakening and he soon will be dashed to his death a the the bottom of the cliff, no one will be able to rescue him. With a last effort he grabs the berry, pops it in his mouth and lets go of the branch. As he falls he thinks " My .. what a bitter and unpleasant taste!"

NOTE: There is no moral imposed by the teller - was the monk foolish, did he learn a lesson, was it worth the risk .... it is up to you.

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Q: What is a Zen parable?
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