Once upon a time, a set of triplets were conceived. Weeks passed and the triplets developed. As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy, "Isn't it great to be alive?" Together they explored their world. When they found their mother's umbilical cord which gave them life, they sang for joy! "How great our mother's love is, that she shares her own life with us!" As weeks stretched into months, the triplets noticed how much each was changing.
"What does it mean?" the first one asked. "It means our stay in this world is drawing to an end," said another. "But I don't want to go," said the third. "I want to stay here forever." "We have no choice, but maybe there is a life after birth." said the first triplet.
"But how can there be? We will shed our life cord and how can life be possible without it? Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them has returned to tell us that there is life after birth. No, this is the end. Maybe there is no mother after all." argued the second. "But there has to be," protested the third. "How else did we get here?"
"How do we remain alive? Have you ever seen our mother?" said the second triplet. "Maybe she only lives in our minds. Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good."
So the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear. Finally, the moment of birth arrived. When the triplets had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy-- for what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.
I think that this is a really good zen story symbolizing change. When ever there is a change that is taking place, we all tend to freak out and start worrying about what is going to happen in the future instead of living in the present moment. So when change starts to occur, we all need to step back and look at the good things that could happen instead of jumping straight to the worst. I know I have done this and it doesn't help, it just makes you more worried and stressed.
I also think this zen story symbolizes support. We all need that one person to lean on when things get tough. If you don't then you will crumble under the pressure of trying to handle it on your own. In this story, the triplets rely on each other to help them get through their confusion. We need to find someone to lean on who is going through the same thing or who has had the same problem in the past.
"Lean on me, when you're not strong. And I'll be you friend, I'll help you carry on."-Bill Withers.
