This simple Zen story has a beautiful message about living in the present moment. How often do we carry past hurts and holding onto resentments?
The Integration Foundation strives to implement various projects through uplifting and empowering individuals living in poverty-stricken areas across South Africa. They only person this is effecting is yourself. If you choose to ruminate over negative past experiences, this will ultimately weigh you down and sap your energy. Instead, try focus on letting go of what doesn’t serve you and concentrat
e on the present moment. Until you can find a level of peace and happiness in the present circumstances of your life, you will never feel truly fulfilled. In the end, the ‘now’ is all we will ever have. A ZEN LESSON
Two monks were traveling together when they reached a large river with a strong current. As they braced themselves to cross the river, they saw a beautiful young woman attempting to make her way to the other side. The two monks glanced at one another as they had both taken a vow of celibacy and with that were not permitted to so much as touch a woman. Then, without a second thought, the older monk picked up the woman and continued to make his way through the rushing water. He then placed her gently on the banks of the river and carried on with his journey. The younger monk was astonished; he could not believe what had just happened! After joining his companion, an hour passed without a word between them. Two more hours passes, then three, finally the younger monk could not hold it in any longer and he blurted out, “As monks, we are not to speak to women. How could you then carry that woman on your back?”
The older monk looked at him and gently replied, ‘Brother, I set her down on the side of the river hours ago, why are you still carrying her?’
