Ancient Wisdom About Letting Go

When I feel stuck (which is often), I look for wisdom that is preferably reliable and simple. Zen parables are a favorite because they suffice on both accounts. 

Here’s one that hit me recently about letting go:

Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still 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 Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.

Ekido 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 told Tanzan, “especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?”

“I left the girl there,” said Tanzan. “Are you still carrying her?”

As someone who thinks, believes, and even talks about the singular importance of mastering the moment, I sure do hold onto things from the past. I’d imagine you might, too. I hope this parable will lend us a hand in that department.