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A Zen Story

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Anonymous
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Santa Fe, NM

Two monks were walking in silence by a river at sunrise early in the spring. Swollen with melting snows, the river had overflowed its banks and swamped the small footbridge that was the only point of crossing for many miles. A young woman, in much distress, stood forlornly by the swiftly running river, pleading with her eyes for the monks' help. Sweeping her into his arms, the older monk bore her aloft through the swirling current and put her down safely on the other side. The two monks walked in silence until sunset when the vows of their order allowed them to talk. The younger monk then turned on his brother with unbridled fury. "How could you have picked that woman up!" he accused. His face grew red as he shook his fists at the other monk. "You, of all people, know the vows of our order. It is forbidden even to think of a woman, let alone to touch one! You have defiled yourself. Indeed, you have shamed the entire Order" The elder monk turned to him complacently. "My brother," he said. His eyes were soft with the wisdom of forgiveness. "I put that woman down on the other side of the river this morning. It is you who have been carrying her around all day."