THE CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG:

How Traditions Get “Tied” Up

Once upon a time, in a quiet village, there was a large meditation hall where a wise Buddhist Master taught meditation to the locals. However, there was a problem: during the meditation sessions, a cat would wander into the hall, distracting the meditators. To address this issue, the master wisely advised that the cat be tied up outside before the meditation began. Over time, this became a routine practice.

Years later, the master passed away, but the practice of tying the cat continued. Eventually, the original cat also died, but the meditators, believing it was essential for their practice, brought in a new cat to tie up during their sessions.

Generations later, elaborate rituals were developed around tying the cat, complete with chants and ceremonies, even though no one remembered the reason behind the practice. Over time, disagreements arose among the villagers about the colour of the cat. Some insisted that the original cat was white, while others argued that their ancestors had always tied a black cat. What had started as a simple, practical solution had devolved into a blindly followed tradition, completely detached from its original purpose.

MORAL OF THE STORY:

This parable highlights the dangers of unexamined traditions. It reminds us to question practices that have lost their relevance or meaning and to avoid mistaking the symbol (tying the cat) for the essence (meditation and mindfulness). It resonates deeply with Buddhist teachings, encouraging critical thinking, mindfulness, and the avoidance of blind adherence to rituals.