Parable of the Mustard Seed
ChatGPT-4/DALL-E3, 2023-11-02
Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God?
or with what comparison shall we compare it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed,
which, when it is sown in the earth,
is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
But when it is sown, it groweth up,
and becometh greater than all herbs,
and shooteth out great branches;
so that the fowls of the air
may lodge under the shadow of it.
- Mark 4:30-32(KJV)
The allegory of the mustard seed offers a rich metaphor that resonates deeply with the Bodhisattva motivation in Buddhist teachings. In this allegory, the mustard seed, though initially small and seemingly insignificant, grows into a large and sheltering tree. This growth process can be seen as a metaphor for the evolution of an individual from a receiver to a giver of refuge, a core concept in the bodhisattva path.
- Initial Stage - The Small Seed: The mustard seed symbolizes the initial stage of spiritual awakening or the germination of the bodhisattva aspiration. Just as the mustard seed is small, the initial motivation to help others may start as a small, internal realization or aspiration. This represents the individual at the beginning of their spiritual journey, where they are primarily receivers of teachings, compassion, and guidance.
- Growth and Transformation: As the mustard seed grows into a large tree, it symbolizes the transformation of the individual. This growth can be likened to the bodhisattva’s path, where one gradually cultivates compassion, wisdom, and other virtues through dedicated practice. The growth of the tree represents the increasing capacity to benefit others, a transition from being a recipient of wisdom and compassion to becoming a source of these qualities.
- Sheltering Tree - Providing Refuge: The mature mustard tree, which provides shelter and refuge to birds, symbolizes the bodhisattva who has developed the capacity to give refuge and assistance to others. In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is one who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the benefit of all sentient beings. The tree's branches, offering shelter and protection, represent the various ways in which a bodhisattva extends help and compassion to others.
- The Bodhisattva Motivation: The key to this allegory in the context of the bodhisattva path is the motivation. The bodhisattva's journey is driven by the wish to attain enlightenment for the sake of all beings. This is akin to the mustard seed's inherent potential to become a large, sheltering tree. The bodhisattva's motivation evolves over time, expanding from personal spiritual development to the altruistic goal of aiding all sentient beings.
The allegory of the mustard seed corresponds to the bodhisattva motivation in a profound way. It illustrates the journey from an initial, small aspiration to the vast undertaking of providing refuge and compassion to all beings. This journey reflects the heart of the bodhisattva path: the evolution from seeking personal enlightenment to dedicating oneself to the service and enlightenment of all.