Brazko
Well-Known Member
Here's an Old Story I would Like 2 Share that Deals with Guilt, Anger, and Painful Experiences:
Zen Monks in training at a monastery are not supposed to have any contact whatsoever with women. In fact, thay are not even allowed to speak to them. One morning just before sunrise, a young monk and an old monk were on their way back to the monastery from the local village. Just after sunrise they came to a small stream. Standing by the stream was a beautiful geisha dressed in a bright red silken kimono. She was afraid of ruining her kimono in an attempt to ford the stream and did not know what to do.
Noticing her dilemma, the old monk spoke to her for a few moments, then lifted her up and carried her across the stream. He gently placed her on the other side. The 2 monks then continued their journey to the monastery. They walked all day without a single word passing between them. Finally, just after sunset, they reached the monastery gate. The young monk could not keep silent any longer and, turning to the old monk, said, "How could YOU?
"How could I what?" replied the old monk.
"You know that we are not allowed to have anything to do with women while we are in training," said the young monk. "HOw could you pick that woman up this morning and carry her across the stream?"
Smiling, the old monk remonstrated, "HOw could YOU!
"How could I what?" answered the puzzled young monk.
"This morning, at sunrise, I picked the geisha up, carried her across the stream, and then I put her down. YOu have been carrying her all morning, all afternoon, and into the evening. When are you going to put her down?"
Zen Monks in training at a monastery are not supposed to have any contact whatsoever with women. In fact, thay are not even allowed to speak to them. One morning just before sunrise, a young monk and an old monk were on their way back to the monastery from the local village. Just after sunrise they came to a small stream. Standing by the stream was a beautiful geisha dressed in a bright red silken kimono. She was afraid of ruining her kimono in an attempt to ford the stream and did not know what to do.
Noticing her dilemma, the old monk spoke to her for a few moments, then lifted her up and carried her across the stream. He gently placed her on the other side. The 2 monks then continued their journey to the monastery. They walked all day without a single word passing between them. Finally, just after sunset, they reached the monastery gate. The young monk could not keep silent any longer and, turning to the old monk, said, "How could YOU?
"How could I what?" replied the old monk.
"You know that we are not allowed to have anything to do with women while we are in training," said the young monk. "HOw could you pick that woman up this morning and carry her across the stream?"
Smiling, the old monk remonstrated, "HOw could YOU!
"How could I what?" answered the puzzled young monk.
"This morning, at sunrise, I picked the geisha up, carried her across the stream, and then I put her down. YOu have been carrying her all morning, all afternoon, and into the evening. When are you going to put her down?"