Thoughts can be dangerous. Our mind, in fact, cannot recognize what is real and what is pure visualization. If we concentrate enough we will create alternative realities, as vivid as physical objects.
The young monk of this story can tell something about this…
Two Zen monks were travelling. They came to a ford of a stream that was running high, and the current was strong and frightening looking.
An attractive young lady was standing at the ford, looking nervous. She clearly was afraid to cross, but had an important reason to go.
Without a word, the older of the two monks lifted her in his arms and waded across the stream, and placed her safely on the far bank.
The younger monk looked shocked at this action, but kept his silence for quite some number of miles as they continued their journey.
Finally, he blurted out “You know that it is against the rules of our order to have any contact with women. How could you do that?”.
The older monk replied “I put her down when I reached the other side of the river. You, on the other hand, have been carrying her this whole way.”
It looks like the younger monk broke the rules….just with his thoughts.
Enjoy the story, very deep thank you
Elio, this is a wonderful example of why we should not hold onto negative thoughts as they are more damaging to ourselves that those whom they may be directed towards.
What a wonderful story and so very true. I love this!
This reminds me of how often we hold on to stressful situations that should have been put down and forgotten long ago. In stead we keep carrying them in our minds and becoming more and more negative and less and less productive.
@All
Important is being positive and focused on the right thoughts…
Ah, but how to tell if we’re thinking the “right thought” when it occurs? Whose “right thought” is it? I’m just playing devil’s advocate, because on one of my blog posts, I say “I demonstrate right thought, right speech, and right action”. The whole concept of right thought is a school unto itself. Remember that for the person addicted to the feeling of shame, the right thought that will bring about those feelings is different from someone else’s “right thought.”
This is a powerful story to convey two ideas - one, to drop any baggage that you may be carrying or acquire on your journey and two, live in the present moment.
@ Jessica
Well, being positive should lead to formulate “right thoughts” but your question is very deep. I think there is inside of us an innate sense of “rightness”. When we generate unbalanced thoughts we somehow feel, at a deeper level, that uncomfortable feeling which leads to a sense of guilt, of being misaligned…There are interesting concepts in the writings of Plato at this regard.
@ rummuser
“drop any baggage that you may be carrying or acquire on your journey”. I love your sentence. getting rid of useless and heavy loads in our lives….
I am not referring to that lady of course
Those stories always have a twist in the end =>
“…that uncomfortable feeling which leads to a sense of guilt…” That’s a nice explanation of the emotional guidance system. Can I use it? I wish I had time to read Plato in College, but in Philosophy, we studied Descartes, Neitczhe, and the like. I can barely remember them (or how to spell them)!
very nice
the younger monk should of asked his question earlier…
This was an excellent story! I enjoyed it…. It also teaches good lesson…. thanks
THIS IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!
The reason younger monk will say this he only look thing on surface level. Old monk has looked into the underneath rule which is fundamental
1. Most of time we don’t know why underneath the rule
2. Our monkey mind is big area we need to address ourselves
I think a part of the young monk’s problem was that he kept his focus on the past. Once they left the young woman, he should have been focused on the journey. Leave the past in the past. Sure, learn it’s lessons, but let go of the actual events.
It’s a lot easier said than done. But a good lesson for all of us.
The amazing thing is how a very short story can convey such a deep message. Great story… thank you!
Great Story, to bad most people don’t focus on the future and stop dwelling not the past.
great post! i especially found it where it stated.
” this is a wonderful example of why we should not hold onto negative thoughts ”
Why the thought of an attractive woman is a negative one?
what a wonderful tool is the internet for attaining enlightenment!
[...] blog, The Entangled Universe, posted a little zen parable that I found strangely fitting. I will quote it here for [...]
I heard Eckhart Tolle tell this same story. It’s a great one to draw upon when we find ourselves dwelling on something from the past and dredging up all our original emotions.
[...] The Entangled Universe tells a story which warns us of holding onto unhelpful thoughts. Two Zen monks were traveling. They [...]