Once, two monks — an older and a younger one — travelled together. Along their journey, they came to a river with a strong current. A woman stood by the river, unable to cross alone. She asked the monks if they could help her.
Without hesitation, the older monk picked up the woman, carried her across the river, and gently set her down on the other side. However, this action shocked the younger monk.
They were, after all, monks who had taken vows not to touch women. He held his tongue initially but couldn’t stop thinking about it as they continued their journey.
After several hours of silent walking, the younger monk couldn’t hold it in any longer. He exclaimed, “How could you carry that woman across the river? We are monks, and you know we’re not supposed to do that!”
The older monk turned to him and replied calmly, “I set the woman down hours ago. Why are you still carrying her?“
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Life Lessons from the Two Monks
The old story of the two monks and the woman holds a simple but powerful message about letting go, mindfulness, and emotional freedom. One monk helped a woman cross a river and moved on. The other kept thinking about it for hours. Sound familiar? We all carry things we should’ve already set down.
Here’s what this story can teach us about everyday life:
1. Let Go of Resentment
Maybe someone hurt you — a friend, a partner, a coworker. It’s normal to feel upset, but holding onto that pain only makes it heavier. Like the older monk, we can choose to let go. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting; it means freeing yourself from what’s already done.
2. Stay Present
Ever catch yourself replaying an argument or mistake in your head? That’s the younger monk at work — stuck in the past. When we stay present, we stop feeding old stories and start focusing on what’s happening right now. Peace lives in the present, not in the replay.
3. Know When to Move On
We all hold onto things — jobs, relationships, habits — hoping they’ll change. The older monk did what needed to be done and kept walking. Moving on doesn’t mean giving up; it means making room for what’s next.
4. Don’t Carry Other People’s Opinions
The younger monk judged the older one for breaking a rule, but the truth is, the older monk followed his heart. People will always have opinions. What matters is knowing your intentions and being at peace with them.
5. Be Kind, Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense
Sometimes compassion won’t make sense to others. You might forgive someone or help someone others wouldn’t. That’s okay. Being kind isn’t about being understood — it’s about being true to your values.
6. Notice What’s Really Bothering You
When something upsets you, take a step back and ask why. The younger monk didn’t realize his frustration was about himself, not the woman. Understanding our emotions helps us let them go.
7. You Don’t Have to Carry Everything
Life already has enough weight. We often carry guilt, pressure, or responsibilities that aren’t even ours. Just like the older monk let go of what wasn’t his to hold, learn to put down what doesn’t belong to you. You can still care deeply without carrying it all.
The Core Message
The story of the two monks reminds us that peace comes when we stop carrying what no longer belongs to us.
Let go of what’s behind you, stay grounded in the now, and walk forward with lightness and compassion.