there is a kind of monkey trap used in asia. a coconut is hollowed out and attached by a rope to a tree or stake on the ground. at the bottom of the coconut a small slit is made and some sweet food is placed inside. the hole on the bottom of the coconut is just big enough for the monkey to slide his open hand in, but does not allow for a closed fist to come out. the monkey smells the food, reaches in with his hand to grasp the food but is unable to withdraw it. the clenched fist wouldn't pass through the opening.

when the hunters come, the monkey becomes frantic but cannot get away. there is no one keeping that monkey captive except the force of its own attachment. all that it has to do is to open his hand, but the greed in his mind is so strong that it is very rare for a monkey to let go.

it's the desires and clinging in our minds which keep us trapped. all we need to do is to open our hands and let it go.

- the experience of insight by joseph goldstein