Taoism and Zen
by Yeiazel
The silver cord
A clear morning, the Buddha was walking in heaven, on the shores of Lake Lotus Flower, and dreamed under the warm caress of the sun. As he leaned on the lake, he saw in the depths of bubbling Naraka (hell) a man who struggled furiously, and seemed to call for help. Immediately recognized the Buddha. He was a man named Kantuka, a thief, a libertine, an abominable murderer whom he met during his time on earth. Buddha's infinite compassion. He remembered that once in his life, Kantuka had shown a little kindness. A large spider had landed on his shoe, instead of crushing it, he had saved and moved on.
" I will rescue him , thought Buddha for this act of compassion. Who knows, maybe there is a glimmer of generosity among the unlucky . "He took a spider's web, brought him down into the lake toward Kantuka. The thread turned into a silver cord and the bandit gripped him tightly. He began to climb. The ascent was rough. Kantuka be employed all his strength. he is bent hands, knees, feet, sweating and suffering. Soon he saw a corner of blue sky above his head. He redoubled his efforts, when he cast a glance toward the shallows. Horror! A dozen of his former companions seized the silver cord and tried to climb in turn.
" This string may not be strong enough to support us all ," said Kantuka. He remembered when he was kept in a secret pocket knife from his killer. "I will decide this rope, he thought, and get rid of them." No sooner had he expressed his thoughts that the silver cord broke above him, and he fell forever in Hell.
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