58. Identifying What Makes Us Feel Stuck

Our brand-new episode, no. 58, opens up with an interesting discussion about two monks, Ekido and Tanzan, having a debate about whether helping a girl to cross a muddy road is a noble thing to do or is to be avoided, because it's  against their sacred oath of "thou shall not near women!"

How did Tanzan move on so quickly, without being bothered by either Ekido’s judgment or his own violation of a sacred rule, while Ekido got all jumbled up in his mind and couldn’t let go of what he saw? Is it because, as an older monk, Tanzan is more trained in controlling his thoughts and reactions than Ekido? Does he have more willpower? Has he done more med- itations, recited more mantras?

Before we answer these questions, let’s remember not to be too critical of Ekido. You and I are not that different from him. We all naturally react to people or situations that don’t align with our values or belief systems. It’s part of life to judge and react to others’ negative attitudes, bad behaviors, annoying personalities, condescending actions, or critical words.

What shall we do? 

Listen to Elizabeth and Arda unpack this spiritual story and explore answers to why we judge others.