A Zen Parable

 Two monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were walking down a cliff heading towards the sandy beach.

They came on a lovely girl who was afraid to cross because of the cliffs edge.

Come on, girl, said Tanzan. And he picked her up in his arms, and carried her across.

The two monks did not speak again until night-fall.

Then, when they had returned to the monastery, Ekido couldn't keep quiet any longer.

Monks shouldn't go near girls, he said - certainly not beautiful ones like she.

Why did you do it?

My dear fellow, said Tanzan. I put that girl down, way back near the bottom of the cliff. It's you who are still carrying her.

Zen Parable