As we find our way into another year it is a good time to reflect on what is really worth taking with us into the next loop around the sun – and all those many things, ideas, prejudices, old stories, unhelpful patterns and inner deamons that could be better left behind. The other day I was reminded of of one of my favourite Buddhist stories and I’d like to share it with you:

Two monks, Yeahnam and Nonam, on their long journey back to their monastery, come across a woman sobbing by the side of a river. Her toddler is screaming for her on the other side but the water has risen so much that she can’t get to her. She’s worried the child will have to spend the night alone. Without further hesitation Yeahman picks her up and carries her across the river. The woman thanks him and the monks continue to walk in silence. Three hours later, still walking, Nonam in a very agitated voice addresses Yeahnam: “Our master forbade us to look at a woman. You talked to one. He forbade us to talk to a woman. You touched one. He forbade us to touch a woman. You carried one.” To that Yeahnam responds in a very calm voice: “I, my friend, dropped her three hours ago. YOU are still carrying her.”