The Other Side -Zen Story-

This brief story, ascribed to Zen Buddhism, has overtones of koan. It tells the unexpected event of a young man who needs to cross a mighty river to continue on his path. I think that the response of the monk who is on the other shore will not leave you indifferent.

Transcript

One day,

A young Buddhist on his journey home came to the banks of a wide river.

Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him,

He pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier.

Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey,

He saw a great teacher on the other side of the river.

A young Buddhist yells over the teacher.

Oh,

Wise one,

Can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river?

The teacher ponders for a moment,

Looks up and down the river and yells back.

My son,

You are on the other side.