ZEN STORIES

Two monks, an elder and a younger, were traveling. They came to a river where a young woman stood, unable to cross. Without a word, the elder monk picked her up, carried her across, set her down, and continued on his way. The younger monk followed, troubled. After many miles, he could no longer remain silent. " We monks are not to touch women," he said. "Why did you carry that one?" The elder monk replied, "I set her down by the river. Are you still carrying her?"