Understand that what a person sees most clearly in others, he carries within himself. His judgments are an active reflection of what is suppressed or not realized in himself.
Two Zen monks were wading a stormy river. Not far from them stood a very beautiful young girl who also wanted to cross the river, but was afraid. She asked the monks to help her. One of them silently took her on his shoulders and carried her to the other side. The second monk was furious. He didn’t say anything, but inside he was seething: “This is forbidden! The scriptures prohibit monks from even touching a woman, but this one not only touched her, but also carried her on his shoulders!” When they arrived at the monastery, it was already evening. Here the irritated monk turned to the first and said:
- Look, I have to tell the abbot about this, I have to tell him. This is prohibited! You shouldn't have done that!
The first monk asked in surprise:
-What are you talking about that is forbidden?
-Have you forgotten? - said the second one. “You carried a beautiful young woman on your shoulders.”
The first monk laughed and replied:
“I carried her to the other side in one minute and immediately left her there. Are you still carrying it?
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru