POINTS TO PONDER VII

Paul Reps, relating an old Zen story:

Two Zen monks were traveling together down a muddy road in a heavy rain. Going around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection. "Come on, girl," said one of the monks. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the road.

The other monk did not speak  until later that night when they reached a temple. Then he could not restrain himself. "We monks do not go near females, especially young, lovely ones. Why did you do that?"

"I left the girl back there on the road," said the first monk. "Are you still carrying her?"

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (Charles E. Tuttle)