Article – Teaching by Parables

Before there were written scriptures, religious ideas were transmitted orally; and before the existence of the religions we know today, hunter-gatherers and tribal communities would gather around the fire to share stories about mysterious forces that had the power to affect their living world. The stories of the indigenous cultures that predate formal religions often featured animals that embody specific virtues.

Over time, many different religions evolved. And in those that exist today, parables are still often used as an important tool for teaching spiritual and moral values. They can be found in a variety of religious texts, including the Bible, the Quran, and the Buddhist sutras, to name just a few.

In Christianity, Jesus often used parables to teach his followers about ethical and spiritual principles. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches the importance of showing compassion and kindness to others, even to those who may be seen as outsiders or enemies. The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches the importance of forgiveness and redemption.

The Prophet Muhammad also used parables to explain complex theological concepts to his followers in the early days of Islam. For example, the parable of the Blind Man And The Seeing Man teaches the importance of seeking knowledge from those who are enlightened. The parable of the Garden in the Quran teaches about the importance of humility and the dangers of arrogance, while the parable of the Spider illustrates the fragility of worldly pleasures and the importance of seeking God’s guidance.

The Buddha frequently used parables to teach his followers about the nature of suffering and the path to enlightenment. The Jataka Tales is a collection of such parables often used to teach moral lessons. For example, the parable of the Poisoned Arrow teaches that it is not necessary to know all the details of the universe to achieve liberation, while the parable of the Burning House illustrates the need to escape the suffering of the world.

Hinduism draws upon a rich tradition of parables and stories dating back to the ‘Manusmriti,’ one of the ancient legal texts of Hinduism that contains numerous references to stories and parables used to illustrate moral and ethical principles. Similarly, the stories in the Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’ underscore the importance of loyalty, devotion, and selflessness, and are often cited for highlighting exemplary behavior.

The Baha’i faith also places great emphasis on the use of parables and allegories to explain truths and moral principles. The importance of recognizing spiritual wealth and pursuing it with diligence is covered in the parable of the Hidden Treasure in the Baha’i writings.