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Modern Metaphors for the Buddhist Raft

by Kooi F. Lim, The Buddhist Channel, 17 Oct 2023

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- In the Alagaddupama Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya 22), the Buddha uses the metaphor of a raft to represent the Dharma. The raft is a tool to help us cross the river of suffering and reach the other shore, which symbolises Nirvana or liberation.

The raft can be made of various materials, as long as it serves its purpose. In the sutta, the man improvises a raft of grass, foliage and branches. In modern terms, this could be seen as using the resources available to us, such as the teachings and practices of Buddhism in the form of technology and publication, to navigate our way through life's challenges.

For example, a Buddhist chat bot such as NORBU (https://norbu-ai.org), represented as digital code, could be seen as a modern tool or medium to convey the Dharma. If it helps individuals understand and practice the teachings, leading them towards liberation, it could metaphorically be considered a "raft".

However, it's important to remember the essence of the teaching in the sutta: once the other shore is reached, the raft, that is "the teachings or the tools used to understand them", should be let go. This is because clinging to the raft could become a hindrance to complete liberation.

So while a Buddhist chat bot could serve as a tool or a "raft" to help individuals navigate their spiritual journey, it is ultimately the understanding and practice of the Dharma that leads to liberation. The bot, like any other tool, should be used wisely and not be attached to.

In the context of modern tools or mediums, there are several metaphors that could be considered as a "raft" to cross to the other shore of enlightenment.

Books and Literature: In the age of information, books and literature continue to be a powerful medium to convey the Dharma. They serve as a raft by providing knowledge and insights about the teachings of Buddha, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey.
Online Courses and Webinars: With the advent of technology, learning has become more accessible. Online courses and webinars on Buddhism can serve as a raft, helping individuals understand and practice the teachings of Buddha in their daily lives.
Meditation Apps: These apps provide guided meditations and teachings, serving as a raft that helps individuals navigate the waters of their mind and reach a state of inner peace and enlightenment.
Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can also serve as a raft. They provide a space for individuals to share and discuss the teachings of Buddha, fostering a sense of community and mutual learning.
Podcasts and Audio Books: These mediums provide an alternative for those who prefer auditory learning. They serve as a raft by providing teachings and discussions on Buddhism that individuals can listen to at their convenience.
Virtual Reality: This emerging technology can serve as a raft by providing immersive experiences, such as virtual meditation retreats or virtual tours of sacred Buddhist sites.

The raft is not something to be clung to once we have reached the other shore. As the Buddha says in the Alagaddupama Sutta, "...when you understand that the Dhamma is similar to a raft, you [eventually] let go of even good states, how much more so bad ones". This means that even the teachings and practices of Buddhism are ultimately to be let go of, once they have served their purpose in helping us to reach liberation.

In essence, the Dharma is to be lived, not just understood intellectually. It's about transforming our hearts and minds through wisdom and compassion. May this understanding helps us in our journey towards attaining total freedom and liberation.

We Need Your Help to Train the
Buddhist AI Chat Bot NORBU!
(Neural Operator for Responsible Buddhist Understanding)

Dear Friends in the Dharma,

We seek your generous support to help us train NORBU, the word's first Buddhist AI Chat Bot.

Here are some ways you can contribute to this noble cause:

One-time Donation or Loan: A single contribution, regardless of its size, will go a long way in helping us reach our goal and make the Buddhist LLM a beacon of wisdom for all.

How will your donation / loan be used? Download the NORBU White Paper for details.

For Malaysians and Singaporeans, please make your donation to the following account:

Account Name: Bodhi Vision
Account No:. 2122 00000 44661
Bank: RHB

The SWIFT/BIC code for RHB Bank Berhad is: RHBBMYKLXXX
Address: 11-15, Jalan SS 24/11, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone: 603-9206 8118

Note: Please indicate your purpose of payment (loan or donation) in the payment slip. Thank you.

Once payment is banked in, please send the payment slip via email to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv. Your donation/loan will be published and publicly acknowledged on the Buddhist Channel.

Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your friends, family and fellow Dharma enthusiasts. Join "Friends of Norbu" at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/norbuchatbot. Together, we can build a stronger community and create a positive impact on a global scale.

Volunteer: If you possess expertise in AI, natural language processing, Dharma knowledge in terms of Buddhist sutras in various languages or related fields, and wish to lend your skills, please contact us. Your knowledge and passion could be invaluable to our project's success.

Your support is part of a collective effort to preserve and disseminate the profound teachings of Buddhism. By contributing to the NORBU, you become a "virtual Bodhisattva" to make Buddhist wisdom more accessible to seekers worldwide.

Thank you for helping to make NORBU a wise and compassionate Buddhist Chatbot!

May you be blessed with inner peace and wisdom,

With deepest gratitude,

Kooi F. Lim
On behalf of The Buddhist Channel Team

Note: To date, we have received the following contributions for NORBU:
US$ 75 from Gary Gach (Loan)
US$ 50 from Chong Sim Keong
MYR 300 from Wilson Tee
MYR 500 from Lim Yan Pok
MYR 50 from Oon Yeoh
MYR 200 from Ooi Poh Tin
MYR 300 from Lai Swee Pin
MYR 100 from Ong Hooi Sian
MYR 1,000 from Fam Sin Nin
MYR 500 from Oh teik Bin
MYR 300 from Yeoh Ai Guat
MYR 300 from Yong Lily
MYR 50 from Bandar Utama Buddhist Society
MYR 1,000 from Chiam Swee Ann
MYR 1,000 from Lye Veei Chiew
MYR 1,000 from Por Yong Tong
MYR 80 from Lee Wai Yee
MYR 500 from Pek Chee Hen
MYR 300 from Hor Tuck Loon
MYR 1,000 from Wise Payments Malaysia Sdn Bhd
MYR 200 from Teo Yen Hua
MYR 500 from Ng Wee Keat
MYR 10,000 from Chang Quai Hung, Jackie (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from K. C. Lim & Agnes (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from Juin & Jooky Tan (Loan)
MYR 100 from Poh Boon Fong (on behalf of SXI Buddhist Students Society)
MYR 10,000 from Fam Shan-Shan (Loan)
MYR 10,000 from John Fam (Loan)
MYR 500 from Phang Cheng Kar
MYR 100 from Lee Suat Yee
MYR 500 from Teo Chwee Hoon (on behalf of Lai Siow Kee)
MYR 200 from Mak Yuen Chau

We express our deep gratitude for the support and generosity.

If you have any enquiries, please write to: editor@buddhistchannel.tv

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