I believe sometimes a story can teach much more than entire philosophical treatises.
Religions from all over the world have used storytelling to convey their messages of wisdom.
One such religion is Buddhism,
Which for centuries has used parables,
Anecdotes,
Fables,
And tales to help people expand their consciousness by offering them enlightening insights.
This Simple Sense story is one of my favorites that 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?
So this is the story about two monks and a woman.
The story goes like this.
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 not 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?
Now,
What elder monk said is worth a thought.
What are you still holding onto that is better left?
We all go through times in life when other people say things or behave in a way that is hurtful towards us.
If we continue to ruminate over past actions or events,
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 live in 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.
As Eckhart said,
The past has no power over the present moment.
Love,
Light,
Peace and power to you.
Thank you.
