Through this parable Shakyamuni endeavors to expand our often limited perception of the potential of our lives. It is difficult to believe in the magnitude of this potential, in our ability to overcome all challenges and successfully take our lives into new, unexplored directions. The promised goat, deer and ox carts with which the father gains the attention of his children are ametaphor for the "three vehicles," the early, provisional teachings of the Buddha that are tailored to the intellectual capacity and expectations of his disciples. The true extent of our Buddha nature, however, far exceeds these expectations.We quite naturally place limits on our ideals of personal development, or become complacent or self-satisfied. Buddhism encourages ongoing growth and development, an eternally youthful spirit. Daisaku Ikeda notes: "The great white ox cart, which traverses freely over the most treacherous peaks, represents the state of Buddhahood, which knows no limitations." This is the true nature of our lives, a life condition of freedom, dignity and joyful expansion.
https://lse.sg/the-lotus-sutra/7-parables/the-three-carts-and-the-burning-house/
