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!". After I read this I couldn't stop laughing! 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. 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! 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. What does everyone think? LOL,Love it , thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Patrick Brown Posted May 29, 2008 That's so funny. 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
