Parable: The Woman Who Wished For A Second Child
Hundred Parables Sutra
Parable: The Woman Who Wished For A Second Child
In the past, there was a woman who had a son. She wanted another child, and asked other women, “Who could bring me another child?”
An old woman told her, “I can help you get another child; but you must make a sacrifice to heaven.”
The woman asked the old woman, “What kind of sacrifice should I offer?”
The old woman told her, “Kill your son and make a sacrifice of his blood to heaven. Then you will certainly be blessed with many more children.”
The woman followed the old woman’s advice and was about to kill her own son when an intelligent bystander laughed and chastised her, saying, “How could you be so stupid and ignorant?” You’re not sure whether you will get another child; yet you intend to kill the one you already have.”
Stupid people act in the same way. Desiring the bliss of a future, they leap into a fiery pit, exposing themselves to all sorts of harm, thinking that this is the way to attain rebirth in the heavens.
