Parable: The Brahman Kills His Own Son
Hundred Parables Sutra
Parable: The Brahman Kills His Own Son
Once there was a Brahman who thought himself very knowledgeable, understanding all the skills. Presumptuous and wishing to display his abilities, he went abroad, carrying his son and crying. Someone asked the Brahman, “Why are you crying?”
He replied, “This baby is going to die within seven days. I’m crying because he shall die so young.”
The people said, “It’s difficult t know a person’s fate. Perhaps you calculated wrongly. He may not die at the end of seven days. Why weep in advance?”
The Brahman said, “The sun and moon may grow dark and the stars may fall, but my calculations are never wrong.”
For the sake of fame and gain, and to prove the truth of his saying, he killed his own son when the seven days were up.
When people heard the news of his son’s death after seven days, all praised him saying he was indeed wise and not mistaken. Thus they trusted him and admired him.
This is like Shakamuni Buddha’s four levels of disciples who for the sake of material offerings, pretended to have attained the Path. But some people will undergo limitless sufferings in the future, just like the Brahman who deluded people by killing his own son in order to prove the accuracy of his prediction.
