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.
The two monks glanced at one another because they had taken vows not to touch a woman.
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 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?”
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This simple Zen story has a beautiful message about living in the present moment. How often do we carry around past hurts, holding onto resentments when the only person we are really hurting is ourselves.
We all go through times in life when other people say things or behave in a way that is hurtful towards us. We can chose to ruminate over past actions or events, but it will ultimately weigh us down and sap our energy.
Instead we can choose to let go of what doesn’t serve us anymore and concentrate on the present moment. Until we can find a level of peace and happiness in the present circumstances of our lives, we will never be content, because ‘now’ is all we will ever have.
Gassho.
332K Reads
- Posted by ahlhalau
- Jun 20, 2014
- Comments (44)
Readers Comments
jomartin87112 wrote: Have known this story for several years, and often, after something happens that I keep dwelling on, "just leave it at the river" and am getting better at doing so - thank you for sharing this story!!
Mish wrote: Great share. I always affirm "let it go" or "just thoughts passing though" when I start obsessing over something.
RicKaren wrote: One of the great stories that have affected me as well. Pema Chodren says that science shows an emotion lasts on one and half minutes unless we bring it back again and again it need not be carried for longer than that initial time. Just like the monk.
maluakamaka wrote: I love buddhist stories, thank you for sharing this one.
cinnamonhead wrote: I love this story and always try to remember it when i need to let go of something, thanks for posting.
Pinky wrote: Thank you so much for sharing. It feels good and settled reading this passage.
Julia Garfield wrote: This is a timeless story with a priceless message. Just wondering if the monks were handsome? ; )
tony wrote: This was one of my favorite stories in "song of the bird" by anthony demello
Monte wrote: A timeless story, i always enjoy reading this story :)
