62: Never Allow a Cat - The Last Words of a Dying Monk and the Long Story Behind Them

The Long Thread - Ancient Stories For The Present Moment. · May 30, 2026 · 4m

A great monk lay dying.His successor sat beside him waiting for whatever wisdom would come in these final moments.The room was full.Everyone leaning forward.The monk opened his eyes and said these words - "Never allow a cat in your life."And died.The successor was baffled.Why a cat? He had no intention of allowing a cat in his life. An old monk who had been in the monastery for decades came to sit with him."There is a long story behind those words," he said."He gave you the punch line. Let me tell you the story."New story every day.Follow so you never miss one.