There’s a parable about being struck by an arrow, causing pain. It futhers explains that if you then worry about and fixate on the pain or the circumstances of being shot, it’s like being struck by a second arrow. The first arrow represents the unavoidable pains of life, while the second arrow is the suffering that comes from our own reaction to those pains. There lies a parable that serves as a metaphor for the human experience of suffering. This parable is often referred to as the “parable of the two arrows.” It begins with the notion that life inevitably brings with it various forms of pain and suffering, represented by the first arrow. This pain may originate from circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a loved one, an illness, or a financial setback.
The pain caused by the first arrow is a natural part of existence. However, it is our reaction to this pain that determines the depth of our suffering. Our reaction to being struck by a second arrow represents the mental and emotional anguish we inflict upon ourselves. This second arrow is the result of our attachment to desires, our aversion to unpleasant experiences, and our resistance to the changing nature of life.
By fixating on the pain, ruminating over it, or becoming consumed by negative emotions, we amplify our suffering. We may engage in self-blame, harbor resentment towards others, or retreat into isolation. These reactions, while understandable, only serve to perpetuate our misery.
Cultivate a different approach to suffering. Emphasize the practicing of mindfulness, which involves observing our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment or attachment. Through mindfulness, we can learn to accept the presence of pain without getting caught up in it.
By acknowledging and embracing the reality of the first arrow, we can begin to release the grip of the second arrow. This doesn’t mean that we become indifferent to pain or deny its existence. Rather, it means that we develop the resilience to face life’s challenges with a sense of equanimity and compassion.