Letting Go

I am thankful to say that I am never one to "hold" grudges... but there are times that I may feel sad or anxiety about a situation that has happened in the past and I find myself having to "let go" of those feelings and turn my attention to the Present.

The following koan is very helpful for those who struggle with Letting Go:

Two monks were once traveling together down a muddy road.
A heavy rain was falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl," said the first monk.
Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
The second monk did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple.
Then he no longer could restrain himself.
"We monks don't go near females," he said. "It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there, the first monk said.
"Are you still carrying her?"

"The Moon and the Abandoned Old Woman" by Yoshitoshi (1839 - 1892)

Peace and Blessings,
nichi