Interpretation of the Buddhist Prodigal Son Story

For me, this parable is a beautiful story of how we grow into who we are meant to be and how God meets us where we are emotionally, physically and spiritually.

In the beginning the son runs away from home. He wants to find himself or he can not accept the blessings which surrounds him. He lives in an unworthy mindset.

I see this a lot with women who stay in abusive relationships and children in foster care who defile their new home because they feel uncomfortable in a clean and loving environment. It takes time to release the pain, the beliefs, and the experiences which have been indoctrinated in ones psyche.

This is the process of the prodigal son. He begins his journey at the lowest juncture, he cannot accept any form of love and compassion. It takes him years to open himself to the possibility of a different life. His father senses this and meets his son in the depths of his despair and gently builds him up. Step by step the son comes into being the son of a King, which of course he was at birth, just unable to accept this truth.

Meeting people where they are is necessary for several people with whom I work. Several have been abused in the name of God, Jesus, Allah, etc. In these cases, if I mention the word, God, Jesus, Allah, etc., they run. I have to meet them in a seeming Godless realm. Many have only known poor and negative living situations, and if they are put in a nice, loving and compassionate living situation, they run. It is a fine line and a gradual process to rebuild their trust and belief system in themselves, which opens the door to building relationships with others, which in turn, opens the window to God.

This parable is a beautiful example of growing into our potential and receiving the blessings that come when we awaken to the indwelling spirit of God. Sometimes, it can be hard and stinky work, but the rewards are unbelievable and so worth it.