The Other Side

A Zen Koan.

One day a young explorer was traveling through the forest when he came across a wide river.

Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier.

Just as he was about to give up his pursuit and turn back, he saw a wise man on the other side of the river.

The young man yells over to the stranger — “oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river?"

The stranger ponders for a moment, looks up and down the river, and finally yells back — “my dear friend, you’re already on the other side."