INTRODUCTION
While this story might seem so simple, it is one of the major cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teaching, which immediately makes us confront our human nature - specifically, our attachment to thoughts in our mind. For Behavioral Health patients, the invitation to put down one's raft to become aware of the present moment is very challenging indeed. For many of my patients, meditation is not enough to battle negative intrusive thoughts, and may not be helpful at all, especially when they are deep in psychosis. Nevertheless, the story provides a metaphor about the human mind's tendency to hold on to thoughts very tightly. Perhaps by investigating our rafts and know what they are, then perhaps we can make a conscious choice to put them down when they are not needed.
While this story might seem so simple, it is one of the major cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy and spiritual teaching, which immediately makes us confront our human nature - specifically, our attachment to thoughts in our mind. For Behavioral Health patients, the invitation to put down one's raft to become aware of the present moment is very challenging indeed. For many of my patients, meditation is not enough to battle negative intrusive thoughts, and may not be helpful at all, especially when they are deep in psychosis. Nevertheless, the story provides a metaphor about the human mind's tendency to hold on to thoughts very tightly. Perhaps by investigating our rafts and know what they are, then perhaps we can make a conscious choice to put them down when they are not needed.
The Parable of the Raft
(a Buddhist parable)
There was once a monk. This monk, a teacher, said to his students: “My teaching is like a raft used by someone to cross a fast-flowing river."
"A person was once trapped on one side of a river. On this side of the river, there is great danger and uncertainty; on the far side is safety. But there is no bridge spanning the river, nor is there a ferry to cross over. So what should this person do?”
"To cross to the safe side, this person gathered together logs, leaves, and many natural materials that would float and created a raft. By lying on the raft and using their hands and feet to paddle, this smart person manages to cross the river from the dangerous side to the side of safety.”
(a Buddhist parable)
There was once a monk. This monk, a teacher, said to his students: “My teaching is like a raft used by someone to cross a fast-flowing river."
"A person was once trapped on one side of a river. On this side of the river, there is great danger and uncertainty; on the far side is safety. But there is no bridge spanning the river, nor is there a ferry to cross over. So what should this person do?”
"To cross to the safe side, this person gathered together logs, leaves, and many natural materials that would float and created a raft. By lying on the raft and using their hands and feet to paddle, this smart person manages to cross the river from the dangerous side to the side of safety.”
The wise teacher then asked the listeners of the wisdom story this question: “What would you think if the person, having crossed over the river thought to himself, ‘That raft has served me well I will carry it on my back over the land now?’”
The student monks replied that it would NOT be a very sensible idea to cling to the raft in such a way.
The wise sage went on, “What if the person laid the raft down gratefully thinking that this raft has served well but is no longer of use and can thus be laid down upon the shore?”
“The young students replied that this would be the proper attitude, that’s the right way.”
The wise teacher concluded by saying, “So it is with my teaching which is like a raft and is for crossing over with—it is not for holding on to.”
The student monks replied that it would NOT be a very sensible idea to cling to the raft in such a way.
The wise sage went on, “What if the person laid the raft down gratefully thinking that this raft has served well but is no longer of use and can thus be laid down upon the shore?”
“The young students replied that this would be the proper attitude, that’s the right way.”
The wise teacher concluded by saying, “So it is with my teaching which is like a raft and is for crossing over with—it is not for holding on to.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Which part of the story did you find the most important? Which part of the story resonated with you?
- What could the raft really be? What could "carrying the raft" really be?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
Leader's Guide
Participant's Guide
Worksheet#1
Worksheet#2
Worksheet#3
Examples
Song Slides
SONGS
Come As You Are (Chords/Lyrics)
Free Mind (Chords/Lyrics)
May I Be Filled with Loving Kindness (Chords/Lyrics)
Breathe In Breathe Out (Chords/Lyrics)
Dwelling in the Present Moment (Chords/Lyrics)
I'm Gonna Lay Down My Burden (Chords/Lyrics)
Spirit Still My Body (Chords/Lyrics)
Live Background#1
Live Background #2
Live Background #3
Participant's Guide
Worksheet#1
Worksheet#2
Worksheet#3
Examples
Song Slides
SONGS
Come As You Are (Chords/Lyrics)
Free Mind (Chords/Lyrics)
May I Be Filled with Loving Kindness (Chords/Lyrics)
Breathe In Breathe Out (Chords/Lyrics)
Dwelling in the Present Moment (Chords/Lyrics)
I'm Gonna Lay Down My Burden (Chords/Lyrics)
Spirit Still My Body (Chords/Lyrics)
Live Background#1
Live Background #2
Live Background #3
