Parables

Intro to Buddhism

• Buddhism is a religion based off the teachings of Siddhartha Gautma.
• Buddhist followers strive to learn and understand the Four Noble Truth which are the basis of the religion.

Basics of Native American Religions

• There are many different branches of religions for Native Americans.
• Most focus on the spirits of plants and animals and on the spirits within humans.

Buddhist parables are meant to teach how to learn, listen, and focus on the task at hand. Parables also teach to forgive and to show kindness to others.

In contrast, Native American parables teach how to control oneself and how to be one with nature.

Literary Devices Used Throughout

• Native American parables often use personification when referring to nature.
• Buddhist parables use irony to show how that whats coming can never truly be predicted.

So what do they have in common?

Both types of parables use allegory to show a deeper meaning other than what appears on the surface.

Also, both Buddhist and Native American parables strive to teach people how to improve themselves on the inside out.

Next are examples of both type of Parables. The first is Native American.

Two Wolves:
An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life...
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied,
"The one you feed."

Muddy Road
Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl" said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"

That's all for now!

Work Cited

• "A Basic Buddhism Guide: 5 Minute Introduction." A Basic Buddhism Guide: 5 Minute Introduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
• "Two Wolves - A Cherokee Parable." : Pearls Of Wisdom. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
• "Basics of Buddhism." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
• "Zen Koans Explained: The Muddy Road to Enlightenment." Gawker. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
• "Two Wolves - A Cherokee Parable." : Pearls Of Wisdom. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015."Zen Koans Explained: The Muddy Road to Enlightenment." Gawker. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.
• "Zen Koans Explained: The Muddy Road to Enlightenment." Gawker. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 June 2015.