Crossing The River.

A Zen Story.

Two  Buddhist monks were travelling from one place to another traversing a difficult terrain. On the way they came across a fast flowing river.As they were preparing to cross the river on its bank they saw a young woman waiting. She needed their help to cross the river.One of the monks immediately volunteered. He picked up the young lady on his back and helped her to go across the river.Once on the other side of the river the woman thanked him and went on her way.The second monk did not look happy with the event. After they had walked for a while in silence the second monk asked the first monk, "What was the need to carry that woman?You know that we have taken the vow of celibacy." The first monk kept on walking and then quietly replied after a while." I have left  the woman on the river bank long ago but you are still carrying her with you."

Sketch: Vishnu Mathur  © 

Vishnu Mathur.
August 1.2013.