The story of two monks

Once upon a time, two monks were walking in silence through the forest; a younger monk, Anjan, and an older monk, Ananda.

Eventually their path led to a stream. There they saw a beautiful young lady, exquisitely clad, standing on the bank. She was distressed because she wanted to cross the stream, but did not know how without getting her fine long robes wet.

Without hesitation, Ananda scooped her up, crossed the stream, and set her down in dry ground. She thanked him and continued on her way, and the monks continued on theirs, again in silence.

Anjan was uncertain, distressed and confused. He became more restless and then finally he spoke.

"Brother Ananda," he said, "I do not know what to make of it. You know our order is an austere order, and we cannot so much as speak to a woman. But you saw that lady, you picked her up and carried her across the stream! And yet..." he continued, almost choking, "You just keep on walking as if nothing happened."

"It is quite simple," Ananda replied. "I set her down on the opposite bank, but you, Brother Anjan, are still carrying her!"

- Traditional Zen story