I've been asked many times about the title of my literary novel, Cutting of Harp Strings and its symbolism so I thought I'd share this excerpt from the story in which I incorporate one of my favorite Zen Koans.

from: Cutting of Harp Strings: a novel by E.G. Kardos; Chapter 24, page 243

“I would like to tell you a story, Eli. A very special story that an old Buddhist monk told me when I was just a little older than you. Not many know this, but I spent three years in a different sort of monastery.”

“A Buddhist monk? What? That’s awesome Father.” We both smiled, and he continued.

“A long time ago there were two friends, one who played the harp skillfully, and one who listened skillfully. When the one played a song about the mountains, the other would listen and say, ‘I’m on top of that mountain.’ And when the one played a song about the river, the other would say, ‘Here, right before us, is the running river.’ 

One day the one who listened became ill and died. Out of love, the first friend cut the strings of his harp, and never played again.”

I said nothing. Catching my attention, a squirrel scampered by and scurried up a tree. As my eyes followed him on his climb, the mountains appeared in full view.

What do you think? Go to Contacts and share some thoughts.

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