TED Tuesday returns with Robert Thurman. More on compassion and the story of Asanga and his search for Maitreya in the form of a mangy dog. It’s a story of compassion through the vehicle of patience and open mind. 
He tells a classic teaching story from an Eastern perspective. The Western version of the story goes something like this. A devout and pious man prays to God everyday. There is a flood predicted but he remains calm and assured, “God will take care of me.” The rains come, the river floods and he finds himself taking refuge on his roof top. A motorboat comes by and the driver invites the man to get on board. He demurs, saying, “I’m waiting for God; he’ll take care of me.” The motorboat goes by. Some time later, a row boat comes by and the rower invites the man on board. “No thank you” the devout man says, “I’m waiting for God.” Finally, as the water continues to rise, a canoe comes by and the paddler invites the pious man onboard. He refuses again. He drowns. While transitioning into heaven, the usually quiet and humble man registers a complaint to God: “I’ve been your devout servant, I’ve prayed daily, gone to church, committed myself to a spiritual life. Was is it too much to ask for your assistance?” God replies, “Who do you think sent you the three boats?!”

  

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad