Here’s a plethora of monkish stories that I’ve used before and like very much – enjoy! \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
Two Monks Two Other Monks Many Monks Blessings & Peace, Here’s a plethora of monkish stories that I’ve used before and like very much – enjoy! \ud83d\ude42 Two MonksThere was<\/p>\n
<\/strong>There was once two monks travelling together, a young novice and an elder Master. As they came to the edge of a huge river, they noticed a young woman at the edge of the river who could not cross over. Without hesitation, the older monk lifted her up on his shoulders and carried her across the raging river. When they came to the other edge of the river he put her down and the two monks went on their way. After a few hours of travelling in silence, the young monk couldn\u2019t contain himself any longer. \u201cWhy did you pick up that woman?\u201d, he asked the older monk. \u201cYou know that our rules strictly forbid us from touching women. And here I thought you were one of the wisest and holiest persons at the monastery!\u201d The older monk replied, \u201cI carried the woman and set her down at the edge of the river. You, my dear friend, are still carrying her around in your heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/strong>A young monk was pondering the mysteries of life one day, and he thought of a question he couldn\u2019t answer. He ran to his Master and asked, \u201cMaster, why is it that some people are faith-filled and not others?\u201d So the Master said, \u201cLet me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a dog chasing a rabbit. As he chased and chased he barked and barked, making quite a commotion. After a while, his barking attracted other dogs, and soon other dogs, until there were dozens of dogs chasing this one rabbit. Mind you, the other dogs didn\u2019t know what they were doing \u2013 they had only been attracted by the barking of the first dog. So these dogs chased the rabbit up hills and down streets, through villages and streams. And one by one the dogs started getting tired, until there was only the first dog, alone again, chasing the rabbit.
The young monk stood silent for a respectful amount of time, then said, \u201cI don\u2019t get it!\u201d
The Master answered, \u201cThe other dogs had no idea why they were running. Only the first dog knew they were chasing a rabbit. Similarly, we must get a glimpse of God before we can dedicate our lives to God and others. Without that first vision \u2013 that first taste \u2013 we too tire easily, because we do not know what we are striving for.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/strong>There was once a famous monastery where people from all over the world came to study. One day, the eldest monk asked a question of the gathered students. \u201cHow can one tell when the night is over and the light is starting to shine forth?\u201d
\u201cIs it when you can look at a distance and tell the difference between your house and your neighbor\u2019s house?\u201d, answered one pupil. \u201cNo,\u201d replied the Master, \u201cthat is not the answer.\u201d
\u201cWell, is it when you can look at a distance and tell the difference between your dog and a neighbor\u2019s dog?\u201d, answered another student. \u201cNo,\u201d replied the Master, \u201cthat is not the answer either.\u201d
\u201cThen it must be when you look at a distance and can tell the difference between and apple and an orange hanging on two adjoining trees,\u201d replied a third disciple. \u201cNo,\u201d replied the Master, \u201cyou have still not grasped the answer.\u201d
\u201cThen tell us, please,\u201d they all pleaded.
\u201cWhen you can look at another persons face \u2013 any person \u2013 and see your brother or your sister, then and only then is the light coming that will banish the darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hugo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"