Here’s another Zen parable that resonates with the modern world. It’s about the almost unstoppable “slideshows of the past” that the mind creates. Regrets, what ifs, mistakes, trying to be right… What else?
The origin of this story — as far as my research goes — points to Buddhist teachings. I’ve read that it’s actually an autobiographical Zen story. That’s fascinating. Please email me if you know the autobiography or the full context of the story.
(image taken from jandworkin.com)
The Two Monks and a Woman
“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?”
Let Go, Detach
Our attachment to ideals, beliefs, dogmas, preferences, or any concepts can be the very reason why we feel anxious, angry, or sad.
Nothing’s wrong with having ideals or believing in something. But if they become our metric for everything we do in life, we are creating our own prisons.
Life is full of complexities. Sometimes, the best action to take is whatever you think is right for that situation. Just do whatever it is. And then let go.
What happened — or what you’ve said — is all done. No point replaying a past scene that is no longer relevant to the present.
Every day, ask yourself, “What am I still carrying in my mind that I should have let go?”