WEEK 52.2 (DEC 25-31) – THE Poisoned Arrow
The Buddhist Story of the Poisoned Arrow
There was once a man that’d been wounded by a poisoned arrow. And when his family wanted to find a doctor to help him, the man said no.
The mortally wounded man said that before any doctor tried to help him, he wanted to know who had attacked him. What was his caste and where was he from?
He also wanted to know this other man’s height, strength, skin tone, the kind of bow he used, and whether its string was made of hemp, silk, or bamboo.
So, as he wondered if the arrow’s feathers came from a vulture, peacock, or falcon, and whether the bow was common, curved, or made of oleander, he ended up dying before getting an answer to any of his questions.
What is the Story of the Poisoned Arrow Trying to Tell Us?
This attitude from a man on his deathbed sounds pretty absurd, right? But, bringing this scenario to other situations in life, aren’t there times when we act like the wounded warrior, too?
It might be unconsciously, but sometimes we focus too much on questions that are actually unimportant out of fear of confronting the truly important ones.
We leave the heart of the matter unknown, while we worry about issues that are relatively unimportant at that time.
“What is your Soul Vision for this upcoming year? While destinations are predictable, each of our journeys are unique. Notice how your energy flows towards the direction of your focus. What you stay focused on will grow. Focus wisely this year on things that strengthen you and guide you towards your destination, your soul vision.” – David Scott
“They say when God is ready for you to move, He will make your situation uncomfortable. Like a mother eagle gently pushing its baby eaglet out of the nest, so it can finally fly. Be open and ready to embrace the changes that await you in this upcoming year.” – David Scott”
“The unhappy will use every tactic to disrupt your inner peace. When you run into toxic people choose distance over drama. You don’t need to join every argument you are invited to. Gracefully excuse yourself from anything that is trying to keep you from your purpose. Distractions will limit your growth and make you question your future. Don’t fall victim to negativity, it’s not worth your energy.” – David Scott
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Søren Kierkegaard
“It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.” – Paulo Coelho
“Past and Present I know well; each is a friend and sometimes an enemy to me. But it is the quiet, beckoning Future, an absolute stranger, with whom I have fallen madly in love.” -Richelle E. Goodrich
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” -T.S. Eliot
“Fully understand your problems before ever starting to solve them, but when you do give all of your energy to the solution and no longer to the problem.” – David Scott
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
“Do you remember who you were before the world told you to be who you think you are?” – David Scott
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer
“He that has little and wants less is richer than he who has much and wants more.” – Buddhist Quote
“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi
“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” -Albert Einstein
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.” – Nido Qubein
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
“Freedom is the only condition for your happiness. If in your heart you are holding onto any negative emotion from your past, anger, jealousy, rage, disappointments, you are never truly free, and it will be exceptionally hard to be happy. Sadness does not hold onto us, but we hold on to our sadness.” – David Scott
There are many ways to let go of the past and move forward. Here are some tips that might help:
Create a positive mantra: Tell yourself a positive message that can help you reframe your thoughts. For example, instead of getting stuck in negative thoughts, try a positive mantra such as, “I am fortunate to be able to find a new path in life — one that is good for me”.
Create physical distance: Try to distance yourself from the person or situation that is causing you to be upset. This can help you let go of an emotionally painful experience.
Focus on yourself: Focusing on yourself is important. You have to make the choice to address the hurt that you’ve experienced. When you think about a person who caused you pain, bring yourself back to the present. Then, focus on something that you’re grateful for.
Practice mindfulness: Allow your yoga mat to be your therapist. Practicing mindfulness can help you bring your focus to the present moment. When we start practicing being present, our hurts have less control over us, and we have more freedom to choose how we want to respond to our lives.
May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.. – Irish Blessing