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Like Carl Jung says our past experiences shape us but they do not define us. We have capacity to change and become what we desire. This story highlights the importance of letting go of past events, not allowing them to consume our present and future.
Let it go! It easy to say. Hard to do it. Lots of people suggest that but very less of them follow it. I never thought it was difficult to let go. As I was able to change certain things in life. But I saw some people are rigid with their perspective and does not want to change it.
It must be challenging to give up their ideas, when they are wrong. let me tell you one interesting zen story about two monks and women.
Two monks were traveling together. One monk was senior and other one was younger. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current and wider river bank. As they were preparing to cross the river, they saw a young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her.
The senior monk didn't hesitate, he hoisted her onto his back and carried her across the river. The junior monk was shocked by the move since monks were not allowed to touch women. However, he didn't say anything.
When they had crossed the river, the senior monk put the woman down, and they continued on their way. As they walked, the junior monk was brooding and preoccupied. As he was not clarify this thoughts. He said to senior monk that "Our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women. But you picked that woman up on your shoulders and carried her!"
The senior monk looked at the junior monk and replied, "Brother, I set her down on the other side of the river, why are you still carrying her?"
The moral of this story is about letting go. The senior monk didn't carry the woman with him mentally after the encounter, he left her behind. While the junior monk carried her in his mind, long after the physical act was over. This story highlights the importance of letting go of past events, not allowing them to consume our present and future. It's a key concept in Zen teachings and in many other philosophies and religions.
Like Carl Jung says our past experiences shape us but they do not define us. We have capacity to change and become what we desire.
