Here’s a parable about an ancient prophet called Zandibibaba and the transformative journey he took with a young pupil, who sought the elusive meaning of enlightenment.
As the sun cast its golden rays upon the verdant hills, Zandibibaba and his pupil embarked on a solitary walk. The path wound its way through dense forests and across babbling brooks, each step a metaphor for the arduous journey towards spiritual awakening.
‘Master,’ the pupil inquired, his voice trembling with anticipation, ‘what is the true nature of enlightenment?’
Zandibibaba paused, his gaze fixed upon the distant horizon. ‘Enlightenment, my child, is not a destination but a process. It is a gradual shedding of the veils that obscure our true nature.’
The pupil listened intently, his mind racing to grasp the prophet’s words. ‘But how do I remove these veils?’ he asked.
Zandibibaba smiled gently. ‘The path to enlightenment lies within you. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to let go of the illusions that bind you.’
As they continued their walk, Zandibibaba pointed to a towering oak tree. ‘This tree,’ he said, ‘has stood for centuries, its roots firmly planted in the earth. Yet, it is not the tree itself that is truly enduring, but the life force that animates it.’
‘In the same way,’ Zandibibaba continued, ‘our true essence is not our physical form but the divine spark that resides within us. Enlightenment is the realisation of this spark and the shedding of all that obscures it.’
The pupil pondered the prophet’s words, his understanding slowly deepening. ‘But what are these illusions that I must let go of?’ he asked.
Zandibibaba sighed. ‘The illusions are many and varied. They are the beliefs, desires, and attachments that we cling to as if they were our very selves. They are the fears that hold us back and the judgements that separate us from others.’
‘To let go of these illusions,’ Zandibibaba explained, ‘requires courage and compassion. It requires the willingness to embrace the unknown and to see the world with fresh eyes.’
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the land, Zandibibaba and his pupil reached the summit of a hill. From this vantage point, they could see the vast expanse of the surrounding countryside.
‘Look,’ Zandibibaba said, gesturing towards the horizon. ‘Just as the sun sets and gives way to darkness, so too must we let go of our old ways and embrace the transformative power of enlightenment.’
The pupil stood in silence, contemplating the prophet’s words. As the last rays of sunlight faded into the night, he felt a profound shift within himself. The veils that had once obscured his true nature began to dissolve, revealing a sense of peace and clarity he had never known before.
And so, the young pupil embarked on a new journey, guided by the wisdom of Zandibibaba. He understood that enlightenment was not a destination but a lifelong pursuit, a continuous process of shedding illusions and embracing the divine spark within.
Worldwide Temple of Aurora 