Buddha Threading a Needle for A Na LyuThe Intention in Classic and Modern Literature

Author: Shu-Yu Chen(Graduate Institute of Taiwan Culture, Languages and Literature, National Taiwan Normal University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 55, No. 2
Date：September 2010
Pages：101-116
DOI：10.3966/207451922010095502004

Abstract：

   “Threading a Needle” and “A Needle Threading through the Dark Night,” written by Si Song and Liang Han respectively, are two modern Buddhist essays which discuss a classic story in Ekottarik gama. A Na Lyu falls into sleep while listening to Buddhist chants. Awakened by Buddha, A Na Lyu feels ashamed and swears that he will never sleep again. Insistent on going without sleep, A Na Lyu eventually falls blind.
    As humans the world over are familiar with the failings of the body, we can empathize with what it must be like to go blind. Readers can understand the fear that A Na Lyu must experience.
　Si Song and Liang Han Yi in this way play two kinds of roles. As readers, they sympathize with A Na Lyu. As writers, they refresh the image of A Na Lyu－who is ordinary or practicing Bodhisattva. By using different narrative skills, the writers inform the readers of the intention of “Buddha Threading a Needle for A Na Lyu.”

Keywords：buddhist literature, physical writing, A Na Lyu, Si Song, Liang Han Yi

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