Animation: "The Spider's Thread" by Ryunosuke Akutagawa - A famous story that most Japanese know!

Summary

In a serene morning in Paradise, Buddha gazes at a lotus pond, where the beauty of nature contrasts with the torment of Hell below. He observes Kandata, a notorious thief, suffering in Hell despite one good deed: sparing a spider’s life. Buddha decides to offer him a chance for redemption by sending a spider’s thread from Paradise to Hell. As Kandata climbs, he is initially hopeful but becomes selfish when he sees other sinners attempting to escape. His greed causes the thread to snap, sending him back to Hell. Buddha, observing the event, returns to his calm walk, as the lotus flowers continue to bloom in Paradise.

Takeaways

• 😀 Buddha is walking in Paradise, observing the lotus pond with flowers in full bloom and reflecting morning light.
• 😀 The lotus pond is situated above the bottom of Hell, where the river of death and mountain of needles can be seen.
• 😀 Buddha notices a sinner named Kandata, who is in Hell as punishment for his crimes, but also remembers his one good deed: sparing a spider's life.
• 😀 Kandata's evil past includes robbery, arson, and murder, leading to his punishment in Hell.
• 😀 Buddha decides to offer Kandata a chance to escape Hell due to his act of mercy towards a spider.
• 😀 Buddha sends a thread of a spider's web down from Paradise to Hell, reaching Kandata as he suffers in the blood pond.
• 😀 Kandata sees the thread and realizes it is his chance to escape Hell, beginning to climb up the thread with all his might.
• 😀 As Kandata climbs, he is excited but soon notices other sinners following him up the thread, threatening its strength.
• 😀 Kandata selfishly shouts at the other sinners to get off the thread, claiming it as his own, causing the thread to snap.
• 😀 The snapped thread causes Kandata to fall back to the bottom of Hell, where his hope for escape fades, and he resumes his suffering.
• 😀 Buddha watches the entire scene from the lotus pond, ultimately remaining calm and returning to his peaceful stroll as the flowers continue to bloom.

Q & A

What is the significance of the lotus pond in the story?

The lotus pond symbolizes a serene and peaceful realm (Paradise), which contrasts with the tormenting world of Hell beneath it. It highlights the duality of existence and serves as a metaphorical boundary between good and evil.

Why does Buddha choose to give Kandata a chance for redemption?

Buddha offers Kandata a chance for redemption because Kandata once showed kindness by sparing the life of a spider, an act of mercy amidst his otherwise evil actions. Buddha values this small act of goodness and hopes to give him a chance to escape Hell.

What does Kandata's reaction to the thread signify?

Kandata’s reaction to the thread reflects his desperation for freedom and his belief that he can escape Hell. However, his self-centeredness is revealed when he becomes enraged at others trying to climb the thread, showing his inability to share or show compassion.

What is the symbolic meaning of the spider's web?

The spider's web symbolizes the delicate and fragile opportunity for redemption. It also represents the thin thread of hope that can lead one out of suffering, but it can easily break if misused or treated with greed.

How does Kandata's fall back to Hell reflect his character?

Kandata’s fall back to Hell after the thread breaks illustrates his failure to overcome his greed and selfishness. Despite the opportunity for escape, his inability to share or show compassion results in his return to suffering.

What does Buddha's calm reaction to Kandata’s fate represent?

Buddha’s calmness signifies his wisdom and acceptance of the consequences of actions. He understands that redemption is not easily attained and that one’s character and actions ultimately determine their fate.

Why is it important that Kandata spared the spider's life?

The act of sparing the spider's life is significant because it represents the one good deed that allows Kandata to earn a chance for redemption. It highlights the potential for good even in someone who has committed many sins, suggesting that mercy can be a path to salvation.

What role does selfishness play in Kandata’s downfall?

Selfishness plays a crucial role in Kandata’s downfall. His inability to share the opportunity of escape with other sinners and his demand for exclusive access to the thread leads to the thread breaking, sending him back to Hell.

How does the story illustrate the Buddhist concept of karma?

The story illustrates karma through Kandata’s actions and their consequences. Despite a single act of kindness, his negative actions (greed, selfishness) ultimately result in his fall, showing that both good and bad deeds have lasting effects on one's destiny.

What is the overarching moral or lesson of the story?

The overarching moral of the story is that redemption is not guaranteed simply by a single good deed, but by one’s character and ability to transcend selfishness. Compassion, humility, and the willingness to share are essential for spiritual growth and liberation.