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There were two Buddhist monks walking along a path beside the river, chatting, a novice and an old Abbot. They came to a river crossing where a woman was in tears, afraid to step into the stream. The old Monk picked her up on his back and carried her over, setting her down on the other side.
The young Monk was mortified that the old man would touch a woman, something absolutely forbidden by their order. He was seething with anger, and refused to speak. They continued on, but the young Monk still refused to speak. Mile after mile... The older Monk could feel the anger in his young novice but said nothing.
Finally, several hours later, the young Monk turned to the older one and shouted,
"You violated our rules by touching that woman, even picking her up!"
The old Monk turned to him and said,
"Yes, and I put her down on the other side of the river. You've been carrying her for miles..."
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