Nature Imagery
One of the most spectacular uses of metaphors and similes in the scriptures are those which are put to use describing the natural world. It is in these examples perhaps—arguably, of course—that this figurative language reaches it most poetic heights of expression:
“And the moon, like a maiden's gentle smile, lit up the heavens, while a rain of sweet-scented flowers, filled with moisture, fell down on the earth from above.”
Mirrors
The imagery of mirrors pops up more than a few times throughout the various scriptural texts. In a section on the doctrinal disputes, mirror imagery is utilized to situate the very nature of Buddhism as being like a mirror which can return to clarity with a simple rubbing away of fog. A much more aesthetically inclined metaphor—as well as a mirror beyond the need for cleansing—is used in the narrative describing the legend of buddha Shakyamuni:
“Second to none in valour, he then, in the second watch of the night, acquired the supreme heavenly eye, for he himself was the best of all those who have sight. Thereupon with the perfectly pure heavenly eye he looked upon the entire world, which appeared to him as though reflected in a spotless mirror.”
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Of course, metaphor is robustly used throughout to convey moral instruction. What would any scripture be without the conveyance of lessons which must be learned? What is interesting is the construction (not always, but occasionally) is the way metaphorical imagery is used to transform one thing into another for the purpose of proverbial juxtaposition:
“Greed is the real dirt, not dust;
Greed is the term for real dirt.
The wise have shaken off this dirt;
And in the dirt-free man's religion live”
A Rusted Soul
It only takes a mere passing familiarity with Buddhism to know that its fundamental doctrine begins with the tenet that all of life is suffering. That doesn’t mean, of course that all lives are subject to the same amount of suffering. A nifty little metaphorical comparison conveys this idea succinctly and vividly:
“The iron itself createth the rust,
Which slowly is bound to consume it.
The evil-doer by his own deeds
Is led to a life full of suffering”
Smells Like King’s Spirit
King Milinda seems rather desperate to discover all he can about the nature of the existence of Nirvana. His repeated entreaties to unlock the mystery of this most unknowable of all mysteries eventually leads to near-obsessive begging by the King of his interlocutor, Nagasena:
“Nagasena! Speak then, quickly, so that I may have an explanation of even one of the aspects of Nirvana! Appease the fever of my heart! Allay it with the cool sweet breezes of your words!”
