{"collection":"Samyutta Nikaya","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/suttacentral_sn56.45/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/suttacentral_sn56.45","id":"suttacentral_sn56.45","license":"CC0","rights_basis":"suttacentral_bilara_data_cc0","source":"suttacentral","source_url":"https://suttacentral.net/sn56.45/en/sujato","summary":null,"tags":["Early Buddhist Texts","Samyutta Nikaya"],"text":"At one time the Buddha was staying near Ves\u0101l\u012b, at the Great Wood, in the hall with the peaked roof. Then Venerable \u0100nanda robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Ves\u0101l\u012b for alms. He saw several Licchavi youths practicing archery near the town hall. They were shooting arrows from a distance through a small keyhole, shaft after shaft without missing. When he saw this he thought, \u201cThese Licchavi youths really are trained, so well trained, in that they shoot arrows from a distance through a small keyhole, shaft after shaft without missing.\u201d Then \u0100nanda wandered for alms in Ves\u0101l\u012b. After the meal, on his return from almsround, he went to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and told him what had happened. \u201cWhat do you think, \u0100nanda? Which is harder and more challenging: to shoot arrows from a distance through a small keyhole, shaft after shaft without missing? Or to take a horsehair split into seven strands and penetrate one tip with another tip?\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s more difficult and challenging, sir, to take a horsehair split into seven strands and penetrate one tip with another tip.\u201d \u201cStill, \u0100nanda, those who truly penetrate suffering, its origin, its cessation, and the path penetrate something tougher than that. That\u2019s why you should practice meditation \u2026\u201d","title":"Splitting Hairs","tradition":"Samyutta Nikaya","translated_text":null,"word_count":218}