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TitleMONKEY TRAP
CategoryGENERAL
There is a kind of monkey trap used in Asia. A coconut is hollowed out and
attached by a rope to a tree or stake in the ground. At the bottom of the
coconut a small slit is made and some sweet food is placed inside. The
hole on the bottom of the coconut is just big enough for the monkey to
slide in his open hand, but does not allow for a closed fist to passed out.
The monkey smells the sweets, reaches in with his hand to grasp the food
and is then unable to withdraw it. The clenched fist won't pass through
the opening. When the hunters come, the monkey becomes frantic but cannot
get away. There is no one keeping that monkey captive, except the force of
its own attachment. All that it has to do is to open the hand. But so
strong is the force of greed in the mind that it is a rare monkey which can
let go.

It is the desires and clinging in our minds which keep us trapped. All we
need to do is to open our hands. Let go of ourselves, our attachments, and
be free.


Date Posted: 29/01/99 10:31:07 AM



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