When Life Falls Apart, Does it Actually Fall Into Place? | A Buddhist Story

Summary

The video script narrates a Buddhist parable of a man trapped between a tiger and a snake, symbolizing life's inevitable challenges. It explores the idea of finding joy amidst adversity, emphasizing that our perception, not circumstances, dictates our suffering. The man's calm acceptance and the reminder of life's impermanence lead to an unexpected rescue, illustrating that what seems like life falling apart could be it falling into place. The story encourages embracing change and finding freedom in our response to life's unpredictability.

Takeaways

• 🐯 The story illustrates the precariousness of life, where one may find themselves trapped between dangers, symbolized by the tiger and the snake.
• 🕳 The well represents a seemingly hopeless situation where escape seems impossible, much like the challenges we face in life.
• 🌱 The root the man clings to symbolizes the fragile and uncertain things we rely on for security in the face of adversity.
• 🐭 The mice chewing the root signify the gradual erosion of our sense of security and the inevitability of change in life's circumstances.
• 🍯 The honey the man finds represents the small joys and moments of peace that can be found even in the most dire situations.
• 🧘‍♂️ The man's Buddhist practice and awareness of the 'eight worldly winds' allow him to maintain a calm perspective amidst chaos.
• 🌪 The 'eight worldly winds' refer to the external influences that sway our emotions and happiness, which the man learns to transcend.
• 🤔 The story encourages us to consider our perceptions of our circumstances rather than the circumstances themselves as the source of our suffering.
• 🕊 The man's ability to find joy in the face of danger exemplifies the power of mental freedom and the rebellion against life's hardships.
• 🔄 The certainty of change is a central theme, reminding us that no situation is permanent and that fortune can shift unexpectedly.
• 💍 The ring with the inscription 'This too shall pass' serves as a reminder of life's impermanence and the transient nature of our experiences.
• 🚪 The unpredictability of life suggests that solutions to our problems may be closer than we think, as demonstrated by the man's unexpected rescue.
• 🤝 The Stoic philosophy of accepting life as it is, rather than wishing for different outcomes, is presented as a way to achieve inner peace.
• 🔑 The takeaway is that while pain is an inevitable part of life, the degree to which we suffer is a choice that we have control over.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Buddhist story about the man, the tiger, and the snake?

The central theme of the story is the impermanence and unpredictability of life, and how our perception and reaction to circumstances can lead to either misery or freedom.

How does the man's situation symbolize the human condition?

The man's situation symbolizes the human condition by illustrating the precariousness of life, where we are caught between threats and uncertainties, and our sense of security can be quickly compromised.

What are the 'eight worldly winds' mentioned in the story, and how do they affect us?

The 'eight worldly winds' refer to pleasure and pain, gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute. They affect us by controlling our moods and happiness based on external circumstances, making us reliant on factors beyond our control.

Why does the man in the story choose to lick the honey despite his dire situation?

The man chooses to lick the honey as an act of defiance against the suffering imposed by his circumstances, claiming freedom by finding joy in the present moment.

What philosophical concept does the man's action of enjoying the honey represent?

The man's action represents the philosophical concept of existential freedom, where one's true freedom lies in the ability to find joy and meaning despite external conditions.

How does the story relate to Albert Camus' idea of rebellion against an unfree world?

The story relates to Camus' idea by showing that true rebellion is not just against oppressive forces but also against the mental slavery to circumstances, achieving freedom through one's attitude and actions.

What lesson does the Eastern king's ring with the inscription 'This too shall pass' teach us?

The ring teaches us that all circumstances, good or bad, are temporary and will change, reminding us to prepare for change and not to be overly attached to current conditions.

Why is it important to remember that things change when we are in dire situations?

Remembering that things change is important because it offers hope and perspective, preventing us from becoming trapped in a fixed mindset of despair and encouraging us to look for potential positive changes.

How does the unexpected turn of events for the man in the well illustrate the unpredictability of life?

The man's unexpected rescue when the tiger falls into the well illustrates the unpredictability of life by showing that outcomes can be drastically different from what we anticipate, especially in moments of crisis.

What advice does Epictetus offer regarding our expectations and the unfolding of events?

Epictetus advises us not to demand that events occur as we wish, but to accept and adapt to how they naturally unfold, which can lead to a more peaceful and contented life.

What is the key distinction between pain and suffering according to the story?

The key distinction is that while pain may be an inevitable part of life, suffering is optional and often a result of our reactions and perceptions of the pain.

Outlines

00:00

🐯 The Paradox of Life's Challenges

This paragraph tells a Buddhist story of a man caught between a tiger and a snake, symbolizing the precariousness of life. The man represents individuals facing overwhelming odds with no apparent escape. The story illustrates life's unpredictability and the constant struggle between external threats and internal fears. It emphasizes that our perception of circumstances, rather than the circumstances themselves, dictates our suffering. The man's practice of Buddhism allows him to find joy in the form of honey dripping from a beehive, highlighting the power of mindfulness and acceptance over the uncontrollable aspects of life.

05:05

🔄 Embracing the Inevitability of Change

The second paragraph delves into the theme of change and its implications on our perception of life's difficulties. It uses the metaphor of the 'eight worldly winds' to describe how people are often swayed by external factors, leading to suffering. The narrative introduces an Eastern king who learns to prepare for both good and bad times through the wisdom of a sage's ring inscribed with 'This too shall pass'. The story concludes with the unexpected rescue of the man in the well, illustrating that change can bring about unforeseen positive outcomes. It encourages viewers to accept life's uncertainties and to find joy in the present moment, as suffering is a choice we make in response to pain.

Keywords

💡Existential Crisis

An existential crisis is a period of intense introspection where an individual questions their purpose, beliefs, and the meaning of life. In the video, the man's predicament between the tiger and the snake symbolizes an existential crisis where one feels trapped and sees no way out. The story uses this concept to illustrate that even in the face of life-threatening situations, one's perception and response can change the experience of the crisis.

💡Impermanence

Impermanence refers to the transient and ever-changing nature of all things, a core concept in Buddhism. The video script mentions that 'everything changes all the time,' highlighting the impermanence of life's circumstances. It suggests that just as night turns into day, so too can bad fortune turn into good, emphasizing the unpredictability and fluidity of life.

💡Eight Worldly Winds

The 'eight worldly winds' are a Buddhist concept that describes the eight types of worldly phenomena that can sway one's mind: gain, loss, fame, disrepute, praise, blame, pleasure, and pain. The video explains that most people are controlled by these winds, which dictate their emotional states. The man in the story, being a Buddhist practitioner, is aware of these winds and thus less affected by his dire situation.

💡Freedom

Freedom in the context of the video is not about physical liberation but mental and emotional autonomy. It is exemplified by the man's ability to find joy by licking honey despite his perilous situation. This act of finding joy is a form of rebellion against the suffering imposed by external circumstances, aligning with Albert Camus's philosophy that true freedom is an act of rebellion against an unfree world.

💡Perception

Perception is how individuals interpret and understand their environment and circumstances. The video emphasizes that it's not the circumstances themselves but one's perception of them that causes misery. The man's calm observation of his situation, despite the danger, is a testament to the power of perception in shaping one's experience.

💡Misery

Misery in the video is depicted as a state of deep unhappiness and suffering, often caused by external events that are perceived as uncontrollable. However, the narrative suggests that misery is optional and can be mitigated by changing one's perception and focusing on可控的 inner joy, as the man does by enjoying the honey.

💡Rebellion

Rebellion, as used in the video, is the act of defying or resisting oppressive circumstances or systems. The man's decision to enjoy the honey while in a life-threatening situation is an act of rebellion against the misery that his circumstances would typically impose. It symbolizes a refusal to let external factors dictate one's state of being.

💡Stoicism

Stoicism is a school of philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude to overcome destructive emotions. The video references Stoic philosopher Epictetus, suggesting that one should not demand outcomes but accept what happens. This aligns with the man's approach to his predicament, accepting the situation and finding joy within it.

💡Suffering

Suffering in the video is presented as a consequence of life's difficulties and the human tendency to react negatively to pain and loss. It is distinguished from pain, which is inevitable, suggesting that while pain is a fact of life, suffering is a choice based on one's reaction to pain. The man's ability to find joy amidst suffering illustrates this concept.

💡Fortune

Fortune, in the video, represents the unpredictable and often fickle nature of luck or fate. The man's survival, which is a result of the tiger's unexpected fall, illustrates how fortune can change suddenly. The video suggests that while we cannot control fortune, we can control our response to it.

Highlights

A man is chased by a tiger and encounters an abandoned well, symbolizing the precarious nature of life.

The man's situation represents the state of being trapped between life's challenges, with a tiger above and a snake below.

The story illustrates the Buddhist concept of life as being at the mercy of uncontrollable and terrible fate.

The man's perception of his circumstances, rather than the circumstances themselves, determines his misery.

The concept of the 'eight worldly winds' in Buddhism, which are the sources of suffering due to attachment to external conditions.

The man's Buddhist practice allows him to calmly observe his dire situation, showcasing the power of mindfulness.

The discovery of honey dripping from a beehive symbolizes finding joy amidst suffering and adversity.

The man's ability to enjoy the honey represents a form of rebellion against the suffering imposed by life's circumstances.

Albert Camus' philosophy on freedom is referenced, emphasizing the importance of being free despite an unfree world.

The inevitability of change in life is a central theme, suggesting that no situation is permanent.

The Eastern king's ring with the inscription 'This too shall pass' serves as a reminder of life's impermanence.

The低估 of change's power due to our inability to foresee the future is discussed, highlighting the unpredictability of life.

The man's eventual escape from the well demonstrates that what seems like life falling apart may actually be falling into place.

The story concludes with the idea that while we cannot predict outcomes, we can control our response to circumstances.

Epictetus' Stoic philosophy is cited, advocating for acceptance of events as they occur rather than wishing for different outcomes.

The final message is that suffering is optional, and we have the choice to either succumb to misery or find joy in the present.

Transcripts

A man is chased by a tiger.

Suddenly, he encounters an abandoned well.

He jumps in, hoping that the tiger can’t reach him there.

But then, he realizes that there’s a poisonous snake at the bottom of this dried out well.

Before he reaches the bottom, he grabs a root poking out of the wall and holds on.

The tiger looks at him from the top, waiting for him to get out, and the snake is waiting

at the bottom for him to fall down.

Shortly after, two mice appear from a hole in the wall and start chewing on the root

he’s holding on to.

Now, what to do next?

This is part of a Buddhist story about the state of life that many of us find ourselves

in from time to time: a state in which there doesn’t seem to be a way out.

It’s no secret that life can be very difficult and painful.

And sometimes we’re running from our problems only to run into more difficulties.

And when our sense of security is stripped away from us, we come to realize that we are

at the mercy of an uncontrollable and terrible fate: everything is falling apart and there’s

nothing that we can do about it.

When we’re hanging onto a root that’s chewed away by mice with a hungry snake below

and an even hungrier tiger above us, what can we possibly do to get out of this situation?

What is the best course of action when there seems to be no way out?

When life falls apart, we might want to remember that everything changes all the time.

Like night turns into day, bad fortune turns into good fortune, and a curse turns into

a blessing.

So, could it be that, eventually, life doesn’t fall apart but... into place?

What should we do when life falls apart, we’re in a miserable situation, and there’s no

way out?

The first thing to consider is that it’s not the circumstances that make us miserable,

but the way we perceive these circumstances.

Even though the man hanging between a tiger and a snake is powerless when it comes to

his external circumstances; it’s his perception that decides his mood.

Knowing that this is a Buddhist story, it’s probably no surprise that this man has been

practicing at his local temple, and is pretty aware of what the Buddha called the ‘eight

worldly winds’, which are pleasure and pain, gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and disrepute.

Most people are controlled by the eight worldly winds.

When they’re in pain, they suffer.

When they experience pleasure, they’re joyful.

When their reputation goes down the drain, they become depressed.

But when they’re famous and loved, they’re ecstatic.

The problem with this way of life is the slavish relationship with the environment that goes

with it, as external things decide our mood, while these same external things are not up

to us.

So, when our happiness depends on the behavior of the eight worldly winds, we’re in a very

unreliable position.

Without a doubt, an average person would probably be frightened when hanging between a snake

and tiger, waiting for the only sense of security to be eaten away by mice.

But as an avid practitioner of Buddhism, this man calmly observes

the situation.

Then, he suddenly sees honey that is dripping from a beehive sitting in a tree above the well.

He smiles and starts licking the honey.

Now, in the face of misery, finding such joy can be considered mutiny against the system.

Because when even the most terrible circumstances won’t stop him from enjoying what the present

moment has to offer, he has claimed true freedom from the fickleness of a universe that enslaves

most of its subjects; the poor souls whose lives are nothing but the suffering of its whims.

This is the freedom that philosopher Albert Camus was talking about when he claimed that

the only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that our very

existence is an act of rebellion.

The man in the well knew that he shouldn’t panic or burst out in anger, as the situation

he’s in is to be expected.

The occurrence of unpleasant or even life-threatening events is an unavoidable part of life.

So, the best thing he could do is to find joy in his darkest hour; something that, as

opposed to his predicament, lies within his field of control.

But, there was something else that made him decide to stay calm and collected while hanging

between the tiger and the snake.

During his Buddhist practice, he had learned the truth about existence, which he reminded

himself of when life goes well, and also when life falls apart.

That change occurs is certain.

We just don’t know where change will bring us.

But when we’re finding ourselves in dire straits, and there seems no way out, it’s

essential to always remember that things change.

The worldly winds are unpredictable.

One moment they provide us with delight, the other moment with agony.

Once upon a time, there was an Eastern king who was overjoyed and overconfident when times

were good, but depressed when times were bad.

So, the sage handed him a ring with a simple sentence engraved in it: “This too shall pass”.

The ring reminded him every day of the transient nature of life.

So, when times were good, he prepared for bad times, and when times were bad, he was

certain that how permanent and unescapable these moments might seem: they too shall pass.

However, the power of change is often underestimated because we’re unable to foresee the future.

When we’re stuck in our perception of the current situation, it’s difficult to conceive

how the future may play out, as there are so many variables and so many possibilities.

People in despair commonly believe that their misery is never-ending, as the light at the

end of the tunnel has yet to present itself.

They’re stuck in a mere perception of what’s happening at a particular moment, without

taking into consideration that change is occurring in the background.

This means that this ‘reality’ we base our assessments on is shifting.

Thus, what we perceive as our life falling apart, may actually be our life falling into

place - oftentimes in ways that we don’t expect.

We do know by experience that, in most cases, the future plays out differently than we had

previously expected.

Moreover, it’s not unlikely that the future unfolds in ways that are nothing less than

surprising.

This happened to the man in the well, whose fate seemed to be sealed, but was caught by

surprise when the tiger, hungry as it was, leaned too much to the front, fell into the

well right past the man, squashed the snake, and broke his neck by the fall.

And so, the man was able to climb out and survive.

Therefore, no matter how miserable things seem at the moment, the solution may be at

our doorstep, as the course of the wind changes to our advantage.

So, again, when life seems to fall apart, it may actually be falling into place.

However, we’ll never know beforehand what Fortune will bring us.

This means that it’s futile to hope for a certain outcome.

As the Stoic philosopher, Epictetus put it: “Don’t demand that things happen as you

wish, but wish that they happen as they do happen, and you will go on well.”

Sometimes there’s just nothing we can do about the circumstances we’re in, no matter

how painful, which was the case with the man in the well.

But we can choose the position we take towards these circumstances.

Pain is certain.

Suffering is optional.

So, do we give unpleasant circumstances the power to make us miserable, or do we enjoy

some honey instead?

Thank you for watching.