Muddy Road

Two monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.

Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk komono and sash, unable to to cross the intersection. "Come on, girl," said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.

Ekido did not speak until that night when they reached the lodging temple. Then he no longer could constrain himself. "We monks do not go near females, " he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous! Why did you do that?"

"I left the girl there, " said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"