Using the Squirrel Analogy to Convey the Buddha's Teachings

🔹Ven Pomnyun’s Dharma Q&A

Selection from Casual Conversation with Ven. Pomnyun Sunim  (2022.9.17)

#understanding
#nature #mental process #respect

🔹Question:

I wasn't expecting to ask you a question, so I need to
remember what I submitted.

The point of the question is that I wanted to revisit the
topic of nature with you.

Last time, I tried, but I wanted to come back

because I don't think my question was fully answered.

I think Sunim really refers to nature as the golden standard

when it comes to deciding what we should do.

To my knowledge, the inspiration is drawn from the precepts.

An example is when Sunim describes the story of the
squirrel.

When you compare us to squirrels and say that the squirrels
live

lighter lives and happier lives than we do.

I think some people, especially the younger ones

and the people in Western cultures, tend to disagree with
that analogy.

For example, my wife says, "How do we know if squirrels
actually live happier lives?

What if they're always paranoid that something's going to
swoop down

from above and eat them?"

When people disagree with this view of nature,

how should we approach them when it comes to explaining the
precepts

and this framework to decide what's good and what's bad?

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