This morning we walked the dog down by the local ponds and as usual the ducks were there sunning themselves. There was a typical showdown fight between two females and afterwards they shook themselves as they do. All birds seem to do it. It occurred to me dogs do the same. If they are involved in a fight with another dog they shake themselves down afterwards. Perhaps it is all animals, almost as if they are shaking off the stress & energy of the fight, letting it go the fight or flight syndrome adrenalin so they can move on. It reminded me of a story of two monks I have posted before:
Two Zen monks- Tanzan and Ekido, who were walking along country road that had become very muddy after heavy rains. Near a village, they came upon a young woman who was trying to cross the road, but the mud was so deep it would have ruined the silk kimono she was wearing.
Tanzan at once picked her up and carried her to the other side. The monks walked on in silence. Five hours later, as they were approaching the lodging temple, Ekido couldn’t restrain himself any longer. “Why did you carry that girl across the road”? he asked. “We monks are not supposed to do things like that”.
“I put the lady down hours ago,” said Tanzan. “Are you still carrying her?”
What are you carrying today? Is it time you shook it off or put it down?
Enjoy!
