Two monks and a woman...
An old monk and a young monk were walking through a forest when they came to a river bank and saw a beautiful young woman standing at the edge of the bank.
The woman told the monks that she was afraid to cross the river because she might slip and be carried downstream. She asked if one of the monks might help her across.
Now it so happened that these 2 monks were members of a sect which practiced celibacy and they had both taken vows never to touch a member of the opposite sex. But the old monk, sensing the extreme anxiety of the young woman, lifted her onto his back and carried her to the other side of the river.
The young woman thanked him and went on her way. The 2 monks continued on their journey, but the young monk was shocked and disturbed at having seen his older companion break his vow so nonchalantly.
Finally, after 3 hours of walking and thinking, he could contain himself no longer and he burst out, “Tell me, old man, what did it feel like to break your vow of so many years? What did it feel like to allow sensuality to tempt you from your spiritual path? What did it feel like to have her smooth warm thighs wrapped around your waist, her breasts brushing against your back, her arms around your neck and her soft cheek almost one with your own? Tell me, old man, what is it like to carry such a beautiful young woman?”
The older monk remained silent for several steps and then said, “It is you who should tell me what it is like to carry such a beautiful young woman. You see I put her down 3 hours ago at the river, but you are still carrying her.”
Good story right? Thanks for all your help yesterday - to be able to vent - not be judged - to be listened too - for guidance - helped me release a lot of things and I think I'm going to make it. Thank you all. Some times all you can do is let go and move on.
I think this was a good story today. Lot of meaning for me.
Now here is the perfect quote for me -
"Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods. Certainly to me it is the chief happiness of life. If I had to give a piece of advice to a young man about a place to live, I think I should say, 'Sacrifice almost everything to live where you can be near your friends.' I know I am very fortunate in that respect. ”
—C.S. Lewis
(1898 1963); writer, theologian, scholar
36 comments:
one of the hardest things to do in life is let go of all the drama. for some it is harder than others. when i was much younger, I held on to the drama, at my OLD age i have become better at letting it go. venting is a good thing, it gets it out of your system.
I'm trying.
Love the story of the 2 monks...it appears the younger monk had the broken vows and not the old monk...are we not as him the younger monk...judging someone else and questioning their feelings, thoughts and our own stinks stinks stinks! Chatty I really really enjoyed this ...much thought provoker!
love the story! you are amazing! have a wonderful day.
I'm glad you're feeling better! Love the monk story too.
Hugs!
You do sound better. I hope today is a much happier day for you. :-)
That dog does look like a mini Disco!
What a great story! I too need to let go of some things and will work on that. Glad you are feeling better my sweet friend. You make my world better by being in it for sure!
hugs, Linda
I'm also glad you feel better and what a story,, great!
Glad you are feeling better, Sandie! I do like that monk story; I think sometimes we do need to just let go and let God as they say. But life is too short for us to carry things that cause us sadness, pain, anxiety, fear, etc. I hope it is a great day for you and you do something fun for yourself!
betty
hey; I just saw that icon on your blog about your book; I didn't know you had written one! I tried to click into it, got the info about the book, but not what the book was about; good for you for actually writing one!!!!
betty
That is a great story about the monks. Sometimes you just have to let things go like water off a duck's back!
What a wonderful story!
I'm glad you're doing better today. I have faith in you and know all will be well. We all have those times and thank goodness we can vent here!
Hoping you have a day of sunshine...both inside and out!
That is a great story and I do like the last quote. Glad you're doing better. We all need days to vent. I just wish I could vent on my blog without the feedback from certain people! Hope your day is going good!
Great story!! One I need to really let sink in! I confess that there are things in my life that I have vowed never to do that have taken hold in my life. I struggle with the weight of it and pray that in time I will be able to let go fully. Sigh. The scars are deep--but I'm sure they will heal eventually.
I'm so glad that you feel better today. I pray that you will always be surrounded by those who will lift you up when you feel like you cannot make it on your own!
It's hard to be open and subject yourself to scrutiny. But it is good to know that we're all just people. :-)
Praying blessings and kindness and love for your day!! <3
Great story! I am happy you are better today....we all have those days. AND thank you for the present....you certainly made my day! Oh, wait, Beth wants to say something.... Hi! Beth here....I love the last part of your blog today....I agree you "should" try to stay where there are friends (and family), we have moved around quite a bit and I find it harder each time to get close friends. Living in a small town most people have been here all their lives and have family and friends right here....being "new" 5 years now, I find they are VERY nice to me but we don't have a "close" friendship....it does get lonely....BUT Remington certainly helps! Great post, my friend!
Sandie, What a great post! I'm so happy your feeling better today. It's so nice to see so many caring people here on your blog.
Remember to take time for yourself everyday...
Your drama quote is spot on. Life IS too short not to be happy. I will take that one to heart. Ann
What a great story, has meaning to me too. I sure like the words...Life is too short to be anything, but happy! Be happy, my friend. Glad you are better.
Hugs,
Nancy
Glad your day is better:) Have a good one!
Good post. I love that quote that begins "There comes a time in life ....." It's something I adopted about 4 years ago and my life is much lighter and brighter because of it.
Love this post, Sandie. And that is a great story with the monks. Letting go is something it took me a long time to learn to do. But it's necessary and life is so much better. I also love the serenity prayer. It's helped me much. Have a good day!
This was a great post, Sandie.
The monk story - yes, very true. Reminded me of how we so often see the speck in somebody else's eye, but neglect to even notice the log in our own!
The drama? Yeah, totally get that. I have a friend who also talks about the "committee in her head." All those little internal voices that love to fan the *drama flames* in our own thoughts and keep us from the joy we desire.
Life is too short...yes.
Friendship is truly a taste of heaven. And though I am geographically removed from you, I still feel like you live "just down the block!"
XOXO
A GREAT story!! And I love the Disco-esque pumpkin!!! You and grandson need to attempt one!
Great story, Sandie... There is alot of meaning in that story, isn't there????
I read your post yesterday --and wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you are going through this... It's truly time for daughter to move out and get on her own....You have been too good to her--and have enabled her to live at home much too long. Just my opinion. I know that answers are never as simple as this... Life is hard...
I have a situation with my middle son and family --and have finally gotten out of the mess totally. I'd rather be no part of their lives than to be hurt over and over... We never know what the best decisions are --and I'm sure that all of us make plenty of mistakes. BUT--with God's help, we will make it and life will be GREAT... For me, I truly try to surround myself with positive people.
Hugs and Prayers,
Betsy
Great story about the monks my friend. I have been worried about you, so glad that you are sounding a little more positive today. Onwards & upwards! Hugs.
Great story and great quote. The thing about Blogging Friends is that we are "near" to each of them through the computer. What a rich blessing. . .You carry a BIG load and you do it well!
That's not how I expected that story to go, but what a great lesson it was.
Good evening - what a great story.
I like the quote in the middle there - so much truth in that. We have too many people around us (at times) that drags you down or have their opinions etc. I'm glad you seem to be in a better mood today :-)
Enjoy the rest of your day, almost bedtime over here.
Hugs x
what a great story that is. I spent a lot of years carrying things far longer than I needed to. It's always better to let things go, get them out and then move ahead.
A wonderful story of the monks and I always like a quote from C.S.Lewis!
Hi Sandie....So glad you are feeling better today.
OMG! That doggie really does look like Disco. Take care. Susan
The story really resonated with me. I've spent a lot of years trying to let go of drama and have done pretty well. My life would make a lousy reality show. You've always got a listening ear in New York City.
Good Morning, Sandie!!
Wonderful story you are sharing this day, my friend.
I really enjoy reading your wonderful blog with many followers.
I've been looking at the pictures you have shared, and I see your dear family who is so beautiful, your daughter, your son, your grandchildren. You are a beautiful lady too, Sandie.
Thank you so much for visiting my blogs and expressing your heartfelt comments, and writing your kind Emails!!
God keeps blessing you all with showers of blessings!!
Much Love in Christ always,
Poet Starry Dawn.
Oh, so much wisdom here, Sandie. So much wisdom. Love the quotes!! Love 'em! Thank you so much! blessings ~ Tanna
I was blessed to buy a home 1/2 block from my best friend and the years that followed could never be traded for any amount of riches.
I love this!!!!! You must have posted it after I made my morning rounds. This is just fantastic.
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