Fear Maker and Little Archer (Self-deception)

　　Some say that the world comes into being, disappears, and comes into being ... over and over, throughout time. In one of these previous worlds, countless years ago, Truth was unknown and the Five Training Steps were practiced by only a few. Even the Enlightenment Being - the Bodhisatta - did not know Truth, and had not yet discovered the Five Training Steps.

　　Once upon a time in that long ago world, there was a king named Brahmadatta. Like many other kings of that name, he ruled in the place known today as Benares.

　　The Bodhisatta was born in a rich high class family in a market town, also in northern India. He happened to be a dwarf, bent over and partly hunchbacked. When he became a young man he remained short and stooped. Many people found him unpleasant to look at.

　　He studied under a very outstanding teacher. He learned all there was to know. at that time, about the two great branches of knowledge - religion and science. He also learned how to use a bow and arrow better than anyone else in India. For this reason his teacher called him ”Little Archer”.

　　Like most new graduates he was quite clever. He thought, "Many people judge by appearance alone. If I go to a king and ask for a job, he”ll probably ask, ”Having such a short body, what can you possibly do for me

　　” Therefore it would be better if I can team up with a front man - someone who is handsome in appearance, tall and well-grown in body, and strong in personality. I will provide the brains, but remain out of sight behind his shadow. In this way we can earn a good living together."

　　One day he was walking in the district where the weavers live and work. He happened to see a big, strong looking man. He greeted him and asked his name. The weaver said, "Because of my appearance, people call me Fear Maker."

　　"With such an impressive name." said Little Archer, "and being so big and strong looking, why do you have such a low paying job

　　" "Because life is hard," he replied.

　　"I have an idea." said the dwarf "In all India there is no one as skilled with a bow and arrow as I am. But I don”t look the part! If I asked a king for work he would either laugh or get angry at me. He would not believe that a hunchbacked little dwarf could be the greatest archer in India!

　　”But you look perfect. And your name helps too. Therefore, let us go together to the king. You will be the front man and do all the talking. The king will hire you immediately. Meanwhile I will remain as if hidden underneath your shadow. I will be the real archer and we will prosper and be happy. You just have to do whatever I tell you."

　　Thinking he had nothing to lose, Fear Maker agreed, saying, "It”s a deal, my friend!"

　　The two partners went off to Benares to see the king. When they entered the throne room, they bowed respectfully to the king. He asked them, "Why have you come here

　　"

　　Fear Maker stood in front and did all the talking. He answered, "I am the great archer known as Fear Maker. There is no one in all India who understands the science of archery as well as I do. I wish to be in your service, your majesty."

　　The king was quite impressed. He asked, "What shall I pay you

　　" "I will serve you for 500 pieces of money per week. your majesty," he replied.

　　Nodding, the king noticed the silent dwarf stooping behind him, almost out of sight. "Who is this little man

　　" he asked. "What does he do for you

　　" "He”s my little assistant," said Fear Maker. ”Very well," said King Brahmadatta, "the job is yours."

　　In this way Fear Maker was accepted into the king”s service, but it was Little Archer who did all the work.

　　Before long, news came to the palace that there was a ferocious tiger living in the jungle next to the king”s highway. He ambushed travellers, and then killed …

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