Two Monks and a Woman – a Zen Lesson
A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her cross to the other side because she could not navigate the strong current fearing she may drown.
Then, without a word, the older monk picked up the woman, carried her across the river, placed her gently on the other side, and carried on his journey.
The younger monk couldn’t believe what had just happened. After rejoining his companion, he was speechless, and an hour passed without a word between them.
Two more hours passed, then three, finally the younger monk could not contain himself any longer, and blurted out “As monks, we are not permitted a woman, how could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?”
The older monk looked at him and replied, “Brother, I set her down on the other side of the river, why are you still carrying her?”
Author unknown but transcribed as a Zen Lesson titled: Two Monks and A Woman – A Zen Lesson
REFLECTION:
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What are you carrying that you need to leave behind?
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Examining your life, do you identify more with the senior monk (see thru the lens of humanity … bigger picture) or the junior monk ( follow the rules established by some authority )?
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Is there a judgment you have that is weighing you down? How can you let it go?