EPISODE · Apr 24, 2026 · 4 MIN
Two Monks and a Woman - A Zen Story About What You Are Still Carrying
from The Long Thread - Ancient Stories For The Present Moment. · host Ashvee Kanwar
A Zen story that begins at a river and ends miles away.Two monks are walking when they come to a fast crossing.A woman in fine clothes cannot get across without ruining her robes.The elder monk lifts her without hesitation and carries her across.The younger monk says nothing.He walks ahead. Eyes averted.Two hours later, still walking, he finally speaks."We are not supposed to touch women. How could you carry her?"The elder monk looks at him. "I set her down at the river. Two hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?"
What this episode covers
A Zen story that begins at a river and ends miles away.Two monks are walking when they come to a fast crossing.A woman in fine clothes cannot get across without ruining her robes.The elder monk lifts her without hesitation and carries her across.The younger monk says nothing.He walks ahead. Eyes averted.Two hours later, still walking, he finally speaks."We are not supposed to touch women. How could you carry her?"The elder monk looks at him. "I set her down at the river. Two hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?"
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Two Monks and a Woman - A Zen Story About What You Are Still Carrying
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