Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than for February 13, 2017
February 06, 2017
February 20, 2017
Transcript:
Two monks, a younger acolyte and an older priest, were traveling to the village of Sui-Shen, to assist in the Moon Festival there. On their way, they came upon a rushing stream, with a beautiful young lady in Moon Festival finery, fretting at the stream’s edge. Woman: Oh, please, good monks! Won’t you carry me on your back over the stream so that I do not ruin my festival dress? Acolyte: No! Not possible. Our order forbids us to touch the flesh of females. To the shock of the younger monk, the older priest smiled… Monk: Of course my dear. Please hop up on my back and I will carry you across. The older monk dutifully carried the young lady across the stream, and set her gently down on the other side. The girl thanked the older priest profusely, and then made her way to the Festival. While walking towards the village, the youthful acolyte fumed and internally raged until he could take it no longer. Acolyte: Elder brother! How dare you carry that woman across that stream, when our order prohibits that? Monk: Younger sibling…I put the girl down on the other side of the stream. Monk: Why are you still carrying her?
Chrystos B Minot Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Know this tale, love this tale! I hope it can remind people (including me!) to examine, & release, the psychological/ physical “baggage” we carry around, to our detriment! ….. also, great graphics, love the bamboo & trees! Tally Ho, Gavin!! :-D
Omniman almost 8 years ago
Never let your sense of morals keep you from doing what you know is right.
mr_sherman Premium Member almost 8 years ago
This tends to happen when the vagueness of a spiritual lesson overrides the practical truth.
Kind&Kinder almost 8 years ago
Reminds me of a Moses Maimonides commentary on the Talmud. You may not cook on the Sabbath, but if a hungry stranger comes to your door and needs food, you cook for him! Religious dogma must not take precedence over human kindness. Really fine art, Gavin!
Bookworm Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Ancient beautiful tale — I first read it in a book by Thích Nhất Hạnh.
tigerchik32 almost 8 years ago
It’s a perfect zen parable. Sorry to say I don’t always follow the lesson myself.
Thehag almost 8 years ago
Love this tale, first read it in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones.
johnnytiggs almost 8 years ago
I am thankful that she wasn’t fat:)
donut reply almost 8 years ago
What happens at the stream stay at the stream. Just like Vegas.