Two Monks, One Lesson: Letting Go

In life, we often hold onto unnecessary things that would have been better left behind. These things may come in the form of grudges, judgments, or negative emotions toward others. They may be a result of our past experiences, beliefs, or prejudices. Holding onto these things can weigh us down, hurt us, and prevent us from moving forward in life.

In this video, we see the story of the two monks crossing the river provides a great lesson on how letting go of unnecessary judgments toward others makes us freer. One day, an older monk and a younger monk were traveling together on a rainy day. As they came to a river with a strong current, they saw a young, beautiful woman attempting to cross. The older monk knelt down, carried her across the river, and placed her gently on the other side. The younger monk was shocked as they had taken a vow to not touch a woman. After a long period of silence, the younger monk finally spoke up and asked the older monk how he could break his vow. The older monk simply replied, “Brother, I sat her down on the other side of the river, but you still carry her with you.”

This story teaches us that holding onto judgments or grudges towards others is like carrying a burden with us. It affects our mental state, prevents us from seeing the bigger picture, and distracts us from living in the present moment. It also keeps us telling stories and tall tales about others in our minds. Sometimes, we allow the actions of others to rattle us from our true essence, and we hold onto unnecessary things that would have been better left on the other side of the river.

If we want to let go of unnecessary judgments toward others, we need to start by examining our own beliefs and perceptions. We need to become aware of the things that trigger our judgments and understand why we feel that way. Once we have identified the source of our judgments, we can begin to let them go. It is important to remind ourselves that everyone is different, and we all have our own unique experiences that shape our perspectives.

To let go of unnecessary judgments toward others, we need to practice empathy and understanding. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of others and try to see things from their perspective. This will help us to develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to let go of any negative emotions we may have towards them.

In conclusion, letting go of unnecessary judgments toward others can be challenging, but it is an important step toward personal growth and development. We need to learn to leave behind the things that no longer serve us and focus on the present moment. By doing so, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives, and we can become better more compassionate human beings. Remember, it is not what others do that hurts us, but rather, it is our own reactions and judgments that cause us pain. It’s the story we are telling ourselves about that person.

Are you looking to work on this more yourself or want it for a mental health group? Please check out a free worksheet.

Please let me know how this applies to you in the comments below.