Metaphors are powerful things ... - Dhamma by Ajahn Jayasāro
Metaphors are powerful things. They are very persuasive. The Buddha's teachings began with the metaphor of the path, and he used similes and metaphors with great skill throughout his years of teaching. But metaphors, used by less wise people can be dangerous. We often forget that metaphors cannot prove the truth of any proposition: they can only illustrate. When we find a metaphor that provides a clear picture of an abstract matter that we have been unable to understand, it feels good. And its here that we need to be especially mindful. We must remind ourselves that this good feeling is not a sure indication that the clear picture is an accurate representation of the matter in hand.
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