Mary's World

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 monks practiced celibacy and they had both taken vows never to touch a member of the opposite sex. But the old monk, sensing the anxiety of the 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 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 walking and thinking for several hours, 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 by carrying 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 many hours ago at the river, but you are still carrying her."

What are you still carrying?

It is very easy to be lost in the past or projected future and lose the present moment. It is quite arduous to be free from the time, the past and the future, and be totally in the present.