I read this ages ago in a children's book called Zen Shorts, by Jon J. Muth. It has stayed with me. I am fortunate enough to have lots and lots of nice people in my life. I am even blessed by some really fantastic people. Sadly, not everyone in this world is a nice person, though, and sometimes those "not-so-nice people" cross my path. When I feel really down because of a "not-so-nice person" and their bad behavior, I think about this story, which is about letting go.
A Heavy Load
Two traveling monks reached a town where there was a young woman waiting to step out of her sedan chair. The rains had made deep puddles and she couldn't step across without spoiling her silken robes. She stood there, looking very cross and impatient. She was scolding her attendants. They had nowhere to place the packages they held for her, so they couldn't help her across the puddle. The younger monk noticed the woman, said nothing, and walked by. The older monk quickly picked her up and put her on his back, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other side. She didn't thank the older monk, she just shoved him out of the way and departed.
As they continued on their way, the young monk was brooding and preoccupied. After several housrs, unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "That woman back there was very selfish and rude, but you picked her up on your back and carried her! Then she didn't even thank you!"
"I set the woman down hours ago," the older monk replied. "Why are you still carrying her?"
6 comments:
Hi,
I just wanted to let ya know that I am having a little "Cozy Corner" contest and if you would like to play along come on over.
Smiles to ya
What a great message, I absolutely love it! Thanks, Tami
What a great message! I love it. Thanks Missy!
Tami
i just read this the other day in a book i hadn't picked up in years. LOVE IT!!
i need to remember it more often.
What a great story! How relevant today (for me at least)...Thanks!
Sonya
oh now that is good!
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