Three carts and Burning House

Once there was a wealthy man who had many children,they all lived together in a house.

One day, when the children were playing inside. a fire broke out in the house. the wealthy man called out to his children,"Fire!The house is on fire! Come out,all of you!Come out as quickly as you can."But they children were so busy with their games that they did not pay need to their father's warning.They continued to play inside the burning house.

The wealthy man thought of a practical wa to save his children.He called out to them."I have brought three carts for you.One is pulled by a goat,another by a deer and the third by an Ox.The first one to come out can ride the best cart. let's see who comes out frist!"Hearing this, the children were very excited and they run out of the house.Thus they were saved from the life.Once they were out of the house,they demanded,"Where are our carts?"

Instead of the three carts, the wealthy man gave his children a much finer and larger cart. This cart ran as swiftly as the wind.It was adorned with many jewels and was drawn by a great white ox.This cart was called the Great White Ox Cart.

In this story, The burning house represents this world which is filled with suffering.The children represent us ordinary people who are at the mercy of these sufferings.The wealthy man represents the Buddha, who wants to save us from suffering and to make us really happy.

Finally the Great White Ox Cart represents the Lotus Sutra that can save us from pain and suffering and enable us to become absolutely happy.

Source- V.C Nov07