The Muddy Road
TWO MONKS, Tanzan and Ekido, were walking down a muddy street in the city. They came on a lovely young girl dressed in fine silks, who was afraid to cross because of all the mud.
“Come on, girl,” said Tanzan. And he picked her up in his arms, and carried her across.
The two monks did not speak again till nightfall. Then, when they had returned to the monastery, Ekido couldn’t keep quiet any longer.
“Monks shouldn’t go near girls,’ he said “certainly not beautiful ones like that one! Why did you do it?”
“My dear fellow,” said Tanzan. “I put that girl down, way back in the city. It’s you who are still carrying her!”
January 5th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Thanks for the koans!
I am new to Buddhist principals, but from what I understand the point is to help others, and if that is not possible to at least do no harm to others… If this is true, why should the monks pass the girl and not help her just because she is beautiful?
I think it means the rules can be broken if it contributes to the greater good.
January 5th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Monk #1 carried the girl across the road, and the two monks did not speak again until nightfall. After those many hours had passed, Monk #2 spoke, and the first thing he brought up was the girl-carrying incident. That incident took what, 20 seconds out of the day? How many other things happened to the two that day? Wasn’t there something more substantial to talk about than this .023% of the day? It is Monk #2 who is choosing to continue to carry this girl. 20 seconds turned into a lifetime of memory and disdain.
Many unfortunate/embarassing things happen to each of us in our lives. We all make poor decisions from time to time. Why focus on those events when, in the big scheme of our lives, they are just 20 seconds out of an entire day? (Or less?)
March 8th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Just a reminder not to sweat the small stuff. It also brings up the idea that the smallest decision or choice we make can have a lasting impression on those around us and not always a positive one. So much baggage we feel we must carry it is no wonder we cant fly.Interesting that the story describes the lady as beautiful. would Ekido be happier if the lady was ugly or old? I think Ekido will have a long road to mastering himself.