One day, on route to receiving alm… crossing a river… the senior monk spotted someone drowning in the river and without hesitation jumped in to rescue… the junior monk tried to stop the senior monk from such actions but was not succesful…

The senior monk placed the drowning victim on the banks of the river, said prayers and waited until she came through then kept walking…

“Yes, you are with question?” asked the senior monk to the junior monk…

“With Respect, I seek to be enlightened… In the buddha’s teachings… of the 5 precepts… [No sexual misconducts - keep our intention pure - thou shall not touch a female]… did you not just violate this tenant?” queried the junior monk…

“What I witnessed was a sentient in harms’ way… My heart reached out to help her out of distress… I did not engage in such act due to her gender… I did not cross the boundary of sensual desires… I kept my intentions pure… I did not touch a female… I rescued a drowning being” replied the senior monk…

“Why did you leave so soon then… why did you not wait for her gratitude or alm?” ask the junior…

“Then I would carry mixed intentions… I did not engage in the act to be thanked or rewarded… I followed my heart in it’s purity… rather I say the prayers to thank her for taking the low road so that I may shine on the high road… she facilitated a platform for me to fulfill my heart’s work and for that I am grateful” shared the senior monk

“But you became attached to worldly dharma…” insisted the junior monk

“Not true, I let go 20 minutes ago… whereas you are still carrying her…”

The secret to letting go is recognizing it is hard work hanging on

Strength is measured not by holding on… but by letting go