Immediately
the older monk went to the woman, picked her up in his
arms, and carried her safely across. At the other side,
he placed her feet down on the ground, bowed, and went
on his way.
The
younger monk, who had crossed the river alone, walked
alongside the elder monk with a brooding look on his face.
He was obviously upset.
After
the two had walked together in silence for several miles,
the young man's anxiety reached the bursting point, and
finally, he could not contain himself any longer.
He
turned to the older monk and cried out, "Do you not
know it is against our rules to touch a woman? How could
you do such a thing? You have broken the holy vows!"
The
older monk turned to him and replied gently, "Brother,
I left that young woman on the banks of the river three
miles back. But, look -- you are still carrying her!"
Author:
Unknown
