WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 28

Heaven and Hell

A big tough Samurai warrior once went to see a little monk. “Monk,” he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, “Teach me about heaven and hell.”

“The monk looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, “Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You are a disgrace, an embarrassment to the great tradition of the Samurai. Get out of my sight. I can’t stand you.”

The Samurai was furious. He shook, got all red in the face and was speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the monk.

“That’s hell,” said the monk softly.

The Samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him hell! He slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude and suddenly filled with peace.

“And that’s heaven,” said the little monk, softly.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 13

Photo: Talk 2 me sponsored walk in Buncrana in aid of suicide awareness.

WEALTH BEYOND RICHES

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed that a monk came to his village at midday and gave him a huge precious stone that would enable him to be rich beyond his wildest dreams.

At noon the next day the monk from his dream turned up at his village. The man ran out to meet him. “Where’s the stone? Give me the stone?” the man cried. The monk reached into his sack and took out a diamond; the biggest diamond in the world. It was the size of a human head!

And he said, “Is this the stone you want. I found it in the forest. Here, take it.” The man was delighted; he seized the stone and ran home. But that night, he had a very restless night; he just couldn’t get to sleep at all.

Very early next morning, he went to the where the monk was sleeping under a tree. He woke him up and said, “Here’s your diamond back. Please teach me about the kind of wealth that enables you to give this diamond away!”

WISDOM OF THE WORLD WEEK 2

TWO MONKS

Two monks were walking through the countryside together. They came to a very fast flowing river and beside it sat a beautiful young girl. When she saw them coming she got up and pleaded, “Oh kind sirs, can you help me please. I need to get across the river to reach my family and I’m scared of drowning.”

Now the monastery where the monks lived had a strict rule about not touching women and the younger monk said “Oh no, I’m afraid that would be impossible.” The older monk however said, “Of course, I can carry you over.” He lifted the young woman and carried her across, with the younger monk following. Now, the younger monk was very shocked and upset with his friend and after they had left the young woman they carried on their journey in silence.

Eventually the younger monk couldn’t contain himself any longer. “I can’t believe what you did back there. I can’t believe you carried that young woman across the river.” The older monk stopped and looked at him and replied. “I carried her across the river and then I let her go, but it looks as though you are carrying her still.”

Holding on to the past stops us being available in the present. What are we holding onto that is affecting our relationships?