Pride Comes Before Fall – A Buddhist Zen Story

Once upon a time there lived a dwarf who was learned, wise and skilled in archery. Little did anyone know that he was actually the Bodhisattva. He was called Little Archer.

Knowing well that his appearance would hinder him from getting a job with the king, Little Archer made a pact with a strongly built man called Fear Maker to seek employment as the king’s archer while he would carry out the real work.

They would then divide the pay equally among themselves. Things worked out as Little Archer had planned and Fear Maker became the king’s chief archer. With Little Archer’s advice, Fear Maker managed to kill a man-eating beast and a ravaging bull for the king.

This earned him a lot of praise. But success made Fear Maker proud and he no longer heeded Little Archer or his advice.

One day Fear Maker was asked to fight a large enemy army and he could not do it. He had to seek Little Archer’s help who defeated the enemy easily and was suitably rewarded by the king.

Fear Maker realized his mistake and went back to his village.

The author of this story is unknown and greatly appreciated!

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Message of the Pride Before Fall Parable?

At the heart of the Pride Comes Before Fall parable lies the journey of the soul and the virtues of humility, wisdom, and the consequences of pride. It is a narrative that echoes the path of enlightenment and the significance of remaining open to guidance, embodying the essence of spiritual evolution.

The character of Little Archer, concealed beneath the guise of a dwarf, embodies the Bodhisattva, a figure of enlightenment veiled by appearance. His wisdom and prowess in archery serve as metaphors for the inner strength and skill required in navigating life's challenges. Little Archer's choice to employ Fear Maker as the visible face while guiding from behind the scenes signifies the symbiotic relationship between guidance and action, between the seen and the unseen.

Fear Maker's initial success, achieved through Little Archer's counsel, paints a portrait of collaborative achievement and the potency of humble guidance. However, the allure of success transforms into the poison of pride as Fear Maker drifts away from the wisdom and guidance provided. This descent into arrogance marks a pivotal spiritual lesson — the peril of losing sight of one's true essence in the haze of accomplishment.

The turning point arrives when Fear Maker, engulfed in his pride, faces a challenge that exceeds his capabilities. In a moment of vulnerability, he humbles himself and seeks the guidance of Little Archer, acknowledging his mistake and recognizing the value of humility and guidance. This pivotal moment exemplifies the transformative power of humility and the wisdom that lies in acknowledging one's limitations.

The resolution of the story, with Fear Maker's realization leading him back to his village, symbolizes the spiritual journey's cyclical nature. It embodies the necessity of returning to the core, of revisiting one's roots and acknowledging the lessons learned. Fear Maker's return signifies a moment of self-reflection and redemption, illustrating the significance of acknowledging one's errors and seeking growth.

Ultimately, the parable of Pride Comes Before Fall serves as a beacon of spiritual guidance, illuminating the virtues of humility, wisdom, and the perils of pride. It underscores the importance of remaining receptive to guidance, acknowledging the unseen hands that guide our paths, and embracing humility as a catalyst for spiritual evolution.

The journey of Fear Maker, guided by Little Archer, reflects the timeless truth that humility and wisdom are essential companions on the path toward enlightenment. It encourages us to heed the whispers of guidance, to humbly recognize our limitations, and to remain open to the lessons that life and spiritual evolution bestow upon us.