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The “Sutra of A Hundred Parables” tells a story about two little rascals quarrelling over something when a passerby asked, "What are you two arguing so angrily about?"
The rascals replied, "You come just in time, be our judge - help us split this box, the crutch and the pair of shoes".
The passerby asked, “What is the value of these items? Is it worth arguing about?”
And the little rascal replied, “There are food, clothes, medicine and other things in this box. The crutch can drive bad guys away and protect one from bullies while putting on these shoes will allow one to walk real fast."
When the passerby heard the reply, he thought it sounded ridiculous, but he put on a serious face and said, "Sure! Let me help you split these, but you will have to step back and leave me alone to focus on my thoughts."
The rascals obediently obliged. The passerby seized the opportunity to pick up the crutch and box for himself, put on the shoes and began walking very quickly. Before leaving, the passerby turned around and said to the two rascals, "Do everything yourself – carry the box yourself, hold the crutch yourself, and if you put on the shoes, you will be able to walk fast!"
This is a fable. The box is a metaphor for giving, while the crutch is for observing precepts, and the shoes represent diligence. Learning Buddhism is the same as performing good deeds – just do it. Doing good deeds is a duty, there is no need to compete for credit for what we do or consider the merits before we do it. We should abide by rules and precepts in spiritual cultivation. If rules are followed, our minds will naturally not be troubled, and we will be able to overcome afflictions and practise vigorously. Observing the precepts is a duty; it should come from within and purify the heart. The signs of virtue will manifest through sheer diligence.
We all know that doing good deeds is a merit, but if we are only aware and do not act on it, we will gain nothing no matter how much treasure and merits we have. We will only be filled with troubles, and that is not happiness! Only when we do it ourselves will we be able to gain something that no one else can take away.
Translated by Lee Mui Hoon
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