| Two monks were returning to the monastery in the evening. It had rained and there were puddles of water on the roadsides. At one place a beautiful young woman was standing unable to walk across because of a deep puddle of water. The elder of the two monks went up to her and lifted her in his arms, carried her over the puddle and left her on the other side of the road. Afterwards, he continued on his way to the monastery. The younger monk was both confused and slightly upset by the elder monk's actions. Later in the evening the younger monk came to the elder monk and testily said, "Sir, as monks, isn't it true that we cannot touch women?" The elder monk answered, "Yes, brother." The younger monk then responded, "But then, sir, how is it that you lifted that women on the roadside?" The elder monk smiled at him and said, "Brother, I left her on the other side of the road, but you are still carrying her." |