An old monk and a young monk were walking down a path together and they arrived at a river with a strong current.
As they prepared to cross the river, they saw a young beautiful woman in need of help to brave the waters. She saw the monks and asked for help.
The old monk immediately carried the woman on his shoulder and let her gently down on the other bank. They parted ways.
The young monk was visibly upset. The old monk kept quiet.
That night, the old monk, having noticed the discomfort on the younger monk, asked: “Is something bothering your mind?”
The junior monk said: “As monks we are not permitted to touch a woman, how could you carry her across the river?”
The old monk replied: “I left the woman hours ago at the bank, however, you seem to still be carrying her.”
(Zen Story)
