#kurukulle

In the life story of Saraha, one of the founders of the Kagyu denomination of Himalayan Buddhism, the arrow symbolizes the view that has the power to transcend physical bounds. Formerly known as the Hindu priest Rahula, Saraha showed great intelligence from a young age and applied himself seriously to his studies, memorizing the Vedas and mastering many other subjects before he converted to Buddhism and became a monk.  Saraha's life took a decisive turn when he allowed some girls to convince him to drink beer, in violation of his monastic vows.  When he was reeling in a drunken euphoria, [Ratnamati,] a bodhisattva appeared to him and directed him to seek out a mystically talented arrow-making woman who lived in the city, promising that many people would benefit from their meeting. Convinced of the authenticity of this message, Saraha ventured into the marketplace. Among the arrow-makers he spotted a woman who was making arrows with a deliberateness and finesse that bespoke deep meditative concentration.  Wholly focused upon her task, she never looked up or became distracted as she cut the arrow-shaft, inserted the arrowhead, affixed the feathers, and checked the arrow for straightness.  Saraha tried to break the ice with a trivial question but, not one for trivialities, her first words to him were, 'the Buddha's meaning can be known through symbols and actions, not through words and books.' Instantly realizing that he had found a worthy teacher, Saraha put off the monastic robes and devoted himself to his yogini guru. The arrow-maker accepted Saraha as her disciple and Tantric companion. ~ Miranda Shaw's Passionate Enlightenment.

kurukulle