The Two Monks and the Woman

Tanzan and Ekido, two Zen monks, were traveling together down a muddy road. It had been raining heavily, and the path was difficult. As they reached a river crossing, they saw a beautiful young woman dressed in fine silk, unable to cross because of the deep mud.

Monks were strictly forbidden from touching women. Without hesitating, Tanzan walked up to her, said, "Come on, girl," lifted her in his arms, carried her across the muddy water, and set her down gently on the other side.

Ekido was shocked. He didn't say anything, but his mind boiled with anger and judgment. "How could Tanzan do that? We are monks! It is against our vows! He has broken the rules!"

They walked in silence for miles. Ekido's frustration grew with every step, his mind completely consumed by the incident at the river.

By nightfall, when they reached a lodging temple, Ekido could no longer hold it in. "Tanzan," he burst out, "we monks are not supposed to go near females, especially young and beautiful ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"

Tanzan looked at Ekido, smiled peacefully, and replied, "Brother, I left that girl on the riverbank hours ago. Are you still carrying her?"