Monastery Brides

The monk by the creek had a wooden bowl in his hand. He dipped his fingers into the bowl, which he filled with water from the creek, and sprinkled water on the trees around him with prayers. The King, who rode his horse up to the monk, waited as he thought what to ask. The monk said, “Yes, I know. You’re the king. And I, a rover ascetic monk, who blesses those owned by the King of the Skies, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” answering the King who was getting ready to ask the questions on his mind.

“I didn’t speak, I didn’t ask! How did you know? And if you know I’m the king, why don’t you kneel?” he said.

Raising his face toward the king, the Monk bowed his head with respect and greeted the King.

“Do you think that you are silent, my Mighty King, while even the trees, waters and the rocks speak? Besides… You are the King of this world. My prayers are to the King of the Skies, who is your king too. But I’d like you to know that my prayers are...