Two Zen monks were traveling and came to a ford of a stream that was running high with spring runoff; the current was strong, and the water flowed past with a surging energy. A beautiful young woman was standing at the ford, looking nervous; she was clearly afraid to cross, but obviously had an important reason to go. Without a word, the older of the two monks lifted her in his arms, carried her across the stream, set her safely on the far side, and then waded back across to join his fellow monk once more.

The younger monk looked shocked, but kept his silence for many kilometers as they continued on their journey. Finally, he blurted out: “You know it is against the rules of our order to have any contact with women; how could you do that?”

The older monk smiled and said, “I put her down when I reached the other side of the stream; you, on the other hand, have been carrying her this whole way.”