Morning Muse 231 : The Story of Two Monks and a Woman

An old monk and his young student were once traveling toward another town when they reached a fast-flowing river. As they paused, unsure how to cross, a young woman approached them. She needed to reach the town ahead but was frightened by the strong current and asked if they could help her cross.

Without hesitation, the old monk lifted her onto his shoulders and crossed the river, asking his student to follow. Safely on the other side, the woman expressed her gratitude and went on her way. The two monks continued their journey in silence.

After some time, the student could no longer contain his unease. He reminded his teacher of their vows, which required them to avoid physical contact with women, and questioned why the old monk had carried her across the river.

The old monk replied calmly,
“I put her down at the riverbank. Why are you still carrying her?”

The lesson is gentle yet profound. True discipline is not about rigidly clinging to rules, but about understanding their purpose. Compassion fulfilled its role at the riverbank. The act was done, and it was released.

The burden remained only in the student’s mind.

How often do we carry moments long after they have passed? A word spoken, a mistake made, a judgment formed — we hold them within us, replaying them until they become heavier than they ever were in reality.

Liberation lies not merely in acting rightly, but in knowing when to let go.