The Fluttering Flag

There is a famous Zen story : -

Once 2 young monks were arguing about a flag fluttering in the wind. One of the young monk said that it is the wind that is causing the flag to flutter. The other disagreed and said that there is no wind and the flag is fluttering by itself.

They argued for some time, getting more angry and worked up as each try to convince the other that he was right.

A senior monk walked pass and over heard their heated argument. After listening for a minute, he approached them and remarked, "Actually, both of you are not right. It is actually the mind that is moving." He then smiled and walked away.

As the senior monks remark sank in, the 2 young monks realized that what he said was right.

What did he mean by his remark?

The senior monk reminded the 2 young monks that regardless of what is going on in the external world, it is actually the mind that perceived the event. Therefore, one young monk's mind perceived that the wind is moving the flag while the other perceived that the flag is moving by itself as there is no wind.

Regardless of who is right or wrong, all sense perception arises from the mind.

The mind has to register the sense perception of the eyes to register that the flag is moving. Therefore, the mind is moving...

On another level, the senior monk is also reminding the young monks that in having the argument, they have lost control of their mind and became attached to the outcome of the argument. They have become emotional, with each thinking erroneously that they are right. In doing so, they lost sight of the mind and the Present.

Therefore, do not become too attached to what your senses tell you. Remember that everything arises from the mind. And when the mind is under control, you will not become attached to anything and will be at peace.

And you will become awaken...