Heavy rain Quote by Nyogen Senzaki and Paul Reps
““14. Muddy Road Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unble to cross the intersection. "Come on, girl," said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carriedher over the mud. Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he could no longer restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?" "I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?””
About This Quote
Source Story: Muddy Road, Zen teaching, early 20th century collection of Zen anecdotes
The story illustrates that true compassion is free of attachment; once the act of kindness is completed, the mind should not cling to the image of the deed.
In simple terms: Compassion without attachment.
Key Takeaway
Practice kindness, then let go.
Themes
compassion
attachment
mindfulness
non‑attachment
Mood
reflective
calm
inquisitive
Type
teaching
parable
philosophical
When to use this quote
- helping strangers
- daily interactions
- conflict resolution
- emotional healing
Key Concepts
Zen
emptiness
self‑transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you help others without creating personal attachment?
- When does compassion become self‑service?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may oversimplify complex ethical boundaries in modern contexts.
