Question

Once upon a time, several Buddhist monks lived in an enormous temple surrounded by a stunning garden full of bright flowers and unusual plants. The serenity of their surroundings helped them to forget the rest of the world. Throughout each day, the monks would pray and meditate. Then one day, a young monk arrived at the temple. He told them about the world beyond the garden walls. He described other cities which were full of bright lights, entertainment, and pleasure. A flame of curiosity had been lit in the monks. Their lives at the temple seemed lonely in comparison to this other world th

Answer 1

ey were hearing about. They did not want to stay in a world they once thought was paradise.
The young monk led small groups of monks away from the temple and its garden. Only a few stayed behind. The pathways of the garden became overtaken by weeds. The temple felt deserted and empty. Finally, only five monks remained. Although they loved their sacred home, they had a yearning to explore the new world they had heard about. So, they packed their bags and got ready to leave.
As they were about to turn their backs to leave the temple, a golden bird flew over their heads dangling five long white strings. Drawn toward the strings like magnets, each monk grabbed onto a string. The little group was immediately swept away to this new world to join the other monks. While there, they saw this outside world for what it really was. They saw a world that was full of hate, misery, dishonesty, and violence, a world without peace or morals. It was a long journey back to the temple. When the golden bird returned the monks, they decided never to leave it again. The bird circled overhead three times and then disappeared into the sky. It was then the monks knew that Buddha had come to help them find the pathway to true happiness.

Answer 2

The serenity of their surroundings helped them to forget the rest of the world.

Which theme is reflected in this sentence from the story?
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Truth is rarely as powerful as is illusion.
Beautiful things are dangerous and should be avoided.
You forget whatever is not in front of you.