Bergthora Jóhannsdóttir
CARRYING BURDENS
Two monks were traveling together when they came to a wide stream passable only by a deep ford. On the near bank a beautiful young woman wrung her hands in despair because she could not cross.
"Climb on my back," the older monk said to her, "and I will carry you across." When they reached the other side of the river, the young woman thanked the monks and they continued on their way.
The younger monk was bothered by what had occurred.
When the two monks stopped for the night, he could no longer keep silent. "Why did you carry that woman across the stream?" he asked in a serious voice. "Aren't we monks supposed to avoid all contact with women?" "I set her down a long time ago," said the other monk. "Why are you still carrying her?"
~ Buddhist Proverb
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