EagerMind Posted May 29, 2008 Four monks were meditating in a monastery. All of a sudden, the prayer flag on the roof started flapping. The younger monk came out of his meditation and said: "Flag is flapping". A more experienced monk said: "Wind is flapping". A third monk who had been there for more than 20 years said: "mind is flapping". The fourth monk who was the eldest said, visibly annoyed: "Mouths are flapping!". Â After I read this I couldn't stop laughing! Â I kind of agree with the first monk (maybe because I'm a newbie) but it's obvious that the flag is flapping (and the mouths) and not the wind. The wind is causing the flag to flap but I don't think the wind itself could flap, I'm assuming it's not dense enough. Â What does everyone think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shontonga Posted May 29, 2008 After I read this I couldn't stop laughing! Â I kind of agree with the first monk (maybe because I'm a newbie) but it's obvious that the flag is flapping (and the mouths) and not the wind. The wind is causing the flag to flap but I don't think the wind itself could flap, I'm assuming it's not dense enough. Â What does everyone think? Â LOL,Love it , thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick Brown Posted May 29, 2008 That's so funny. Â It's like Zeno's arrow and the Buddhist teaching about the flame and the candle which is all kinda paradoxical. I figure all the monks are right and you'll note that: 1. The flag is obviously the monkey mind. 2. They are all monks. 3. The eldest is the one that delivers the punch-line. 4. In the moment of laughter you transcend duality and paradox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites