the phantom city

Parable of the Phantom City
From the Lotus Sutra, Chapter 7

A caravan traveled through the desert. The people in the caravan followed their guide on a long and dangerous trip to a treasure land.

Along the way, the people in the caravan became tired, confused, and discouraged. They told the guide that they could not go any further.

If they turned back, all their traveling would be wasted. The guide did not want the people to give up the journey. He knew that a wonderful treasure was at the end of the journey.

When the caravan had traveled more than halfway, a great city appeared. The guide told the people of the caravan that here was an opportunity to rest and be refreshed.

After they rested, the guide made the city disappear. He told the people that the city was nothing more than an illusion he had created to allow them to rest. He tells them that their goal, the treasure land, is close.

Refreshed, the travelers continue on their journey.


wow!!! what a beautiful parable. shakyamuni was indeed master of storytelling.
this parable states that while some people thought that buddha has expounded evrything he has to teach and his kitty is now empty. but hey wait, its just an illusion. the main teaching is yet to come which is nothing other that lotus sutra itself, the supreme sutra.
only those who will persevere and keep on advancing will be able to savour the true joy. otherwise inspite of following shakyamuni's teaching they still wont be able to get the true meaning and purpose of life.