Detachment and the Two Monks (A Story)

What do you do, when you go through an unpleasant experience or when someone tells you something you don’t like? Do you keep thinking about the event or the words said? Do you go on playing the same videocassette or audiocassette in your mind?

This reminds me of a story I have read in the book “101 Zen stories”, about two monks who were walking from one village to another. On the way they came to a large puddle full of mud, which they had to cross. At the brink of the puddle they saw a young woman standing, afraid to cross it.

“Come”, said one of the monks, “I will carry you to the other side”. He took her on his back, and carried her to the other side of the puddle.

After crossing the road, the two monks continued walking silently for hours, until they reached their destination

The other monk could not keep silent any longer and exclaimed:” How could you carry that girl on your back? We are monks and are not allowed to touch women.”


The monk who carried the women over the puddle smiled and said: “I have left the girl at the other side of the puddle, but it seems you are still carrying her with you!”


This story shows the importance of detachment. Thinking over and over about the past, or repeating futile, unnecessary and negative thoughts, is like carrying a heavy load on your back. It is important to let go and learn to display detachment toward such thoughts. This will develop the ability to clear the mind of unnecessary and disturbing thoughts, and bring a sense of freedom and happiness.
Pay attention to your inner conversations and to the thoughts you keep repeating in your mind, and you will see how much time and energy you waste by thinking over and over about past actions and events, or on what people have said.


It is much better and more profitable to forget the past and concentrate on the present moment. You cannot change the past, but you can make the present moment happier and more enjoyable. Improving your present moment improves your future too. The ability to do so depends on your ability to free your mind from the past and from unnecessary and negative thoughts. Doing so, will bring more happiness, joy and real freedom into your life.


Inner detachment and freedom from thoughts requires some training and inner work. You can find clear and step-by-step instructions and guidance for developing them, in the book Peace of Mind in Daily Life.