When I was younger, I looked for answers to a series of
never ending life questions. My expectation at the time was that it was
possible to uncover definitive answers to a set of core life altering questions.
If I could only uncover these answers from an external source, that would
directly lead to a series of profound “light bulb” moments of awareness and inner
wisdom. Like many people, I wanted to
know and be assured of the outcome before taking the journey; if I liked the
outcome, then I would be open to engaging in the challenges inherent in the
journey. Gratefully, I grew out of this mindset and am continually amused at my
younger self. And then, the fun of jumping into the challenges and unknown
aspects of each journey began to offer something remarkable. The greatest
wisdom repeatedly showed up on the other side of almost quitting, along with
the recognition that the answers were already there. The Zen tale below speaks to me in a subtle and powerful
way. Perhaps it will say something to you.
THE OTHER SIDE
One day a young Buddhist on his journey home came to the
banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of
him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier. Just as he
was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey he saw a great teacher
on the other side of the river. The young Buddhist yells over to the teacher,
“Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river”? The teacher ponders for a moment looks up and
down the river and yells back, “My son, you are on the other side.”
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