Once upon a time, two Buddhist monks were walking along after a horrendous thunderstorm, marveling at how nature could be, in one instance, so tranquil and beautiful, yet in another, so violent and devastating. As they were walking along the path, they soon saw the wood bridge spanning a fjord had been washed away, leaving little way to cross the stream except to wade in the swiftly-moving water. As they were removing their sandals to do so, they noticed a young woman, heavy with child, struggling to ford the raging current.
Now, being devout monks, they knew that touching a pregnant woman was taboo, and would amount, essentially, to breaking their sacred vows, requiring intense cleansing to rectify. The elder monk just shook his head sadly and waded on, knowing there was little he could do and still remain chaste.
The younger one, however, took pity on the woman. Being full of compassion, he bent down, and gently put the woman firmly on his shoulders and helped her across, setting her down on a grassy knoll on the other side. He then went back and got her things as well. He then went about his way, quickly catching up with his fellow monk.
They walked along in silence until dusk, when they finally reached their monastery. Upon entering, the elder monk could remain silent no longer, and chided his brother monk.
"Why did you help that woman, knowing it was taboo?"
The younger monk contemplated for a few minutes in silence before giving his answer.
"Dear brother," he replied, "I left that woman on the grassy knoll on the other side of the stream. Why are YOU still carrying her?"
This was originally told to me in a Religion 102 - Eastern Religions class in college, and it's originator is listed online as Anonymous. If any reader knows the author, please PM me. -- Haylee V
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Comments
well said
Thank you, I really needed that this morning. Last night was rough. This year has been rough with the continuous wind. Never has it been like in all my life. Our world is definitely changing.
Life is meant to be lived, not worn until it's worn out
always,
Barb
Oklahoma born and raised cowgirl
I'm glad...
...your spirit was uplifted just a little bit. You DESERVE all of life's blessings, my friend.
Be happy. Be healthy. Be...WELL!
*Kisses Always*
Haylee V
*Kisses Always*
Haylee V
This can be applied to so many things in life
It's really too bad that we cannot teach these parables in public school. Imagine what the world would be like if our children actually applied some of these philosophies in our every day lives.
I like that one
Although, the version I heard, gallons of years ago, was a little different. In that telling, it was the older monk who carried the woman, and the younger one who bristled and accused his elder of breaking their vows. I always enjoyed how the older monk was wise to know the spirit of the vows, rather than merely the letter.
Each version has its own charm, though :)
About that...
..You are correct, actually. I PURPOSELY changed it, as a (not so) subtle hint to everyone about the dangers of being set in one's ways. The original parable is about the "spirit" of the vows, as you say. This (edited) version, in my opinion, drives the point home just a LITTLE BIT stronger.
Thank you for reading.
*Kisses*
Haylee V
*Kisses Always*
Haylee V
I always liked that story
Especially the final bit ... "I put her down hours ago, why do you still carry her?"
The one monk chose to do what was right, instead of what was easy ... frankly, the OTHER monk is the one most in need of meditation and cleansing ritual.
Parallel
Sometimes, when my S.O. and I have been out and about, we've seen people in unfortunate situations and she'll give them money etc. & we'll go on our way. Many hours later for whatever reason, the wayward person will come up in conversation. She'll draw some comparison or other and I'll wonder, why are you still thinking of that? I'm not saying that it's bad, it's just that the episode dropped out of my thoughts hours previously and she's still thinking about it.
Ahh, the mysteries of the female brain.
>>> Kay