We are a chariot.

We are a chariot.

This is the story of a Buddhist monk named Nagasena.

He went to China to see emperor Milinda, at his invitation.

He was given a residence in a small cottage.

The next day, a servant came to take him to the king’s court in a chariot.

“Nagasena, let’s go.” the servant said.

Nagasena said,” I don’t mind coming, but there is no one like Nagasena.”

The servant was puzzled.

He said,” But I can see you; you are Nagasena.”

So Nagasena said,” No, I’m not. There is nobody like Nagasena, but I don’t mind coming. Let’s go.”

The chariot arrived at the court.

The king came out of the court to receive him.

He said, “Welcome Nagasena, to my court.”

Nagasena smiled and said,” But there is nobody like Nagasena.”

Even the king was puzzled, and he said, “But I see you. You are Nagasena. Please don’t keep me in a puzzle. Please explain.”

Nagasena, pointing to the chariot, said,” What do you see in front of you?”

“The chariot that brought you here,” King replied.

“Can you do me a favor? Can you have the horses removed?” Nagasena said.

The horses were removed.

Then Nagasena said,” Can you have the wheels removed?”

Wheels were removed.

Then the yoke, and then the nails, and then the framework.

Everything was taken apart and laid on the ground.

Then Nagasena asked the king Milinda, “ Where is the chariot?”

King replied,” The chariot is no more. It was a combination of all these pieces lying on the ground, and without them, there is no chariot.”

Nagasena laughed.

He said,” Nagasena is also a chariot, brought into existence by natural forces and given a name, Nagasena by Sansar.

So many other names could have known me, it doesn’t matter.

You could also have a different name instead of King Milinda.

But we all are just assembled for functional purposes, but individual existence is an illusion.

We keep on recognizing each other as individual entities.

We develop ideas, emotions, beliefs, concepts, languages, and experiences based on this illusory belief of individuality and living a confused life.

Removing this idea of individuality from the mind connects you with clarity of one existence.”