Two monks were walking through the forest one rainy morning on the way back to their monastery.
When they reached the bank of a river,
They found a very beautiful young woman crying.
What's going on?
The oldest monk asked.
Sir,
My mother is sick.
She is alone in her house,
On the other side of the river,
And I can't cross.
The current is very strong,
And I will never be able to reach the other side without help.
I wish we could help you,
Lamented the youngest monk,
But the only possible way would be to carry you on our shoulders across the river,
And our vows of chastity prohibit us from all contact with the opposite sex.
I'm sorry,
Believe me.
The woman could not suppress a heartbroken cry.
Then the oldest monk got down on his knees and said,
Come on,
Girl.
This gesture surprised the young woman,
But she quickly picked up her bundle and got on the monk's shoulders.
With considerable difficulty,
The monk and the woman managed to cross the river,
Followed by the young monk.
Upon reaching the other shore,
The woman descended and prostrated herself as a sign of gratitude.
Okay,
Daughter,
Get up and continue your journey.
The woman stood up and hurried to her home.
The monks,
Without saying a word,
Continued their march towards the monastery.
The young monk was upset.
The monks of his order were not to touch any woman under any circumstances,
Much less abuse a beautiful young woman.
But he held back and didn't say anything about it.
Upon reaching the monastery,
The young monk turned to his companion and said,
I will have to report to our master what happened.
You already know that what you have done is prohibited.
What are you talking about?
What is prohibited?
Said the old man naively.
Have you already forgotten?
You carried that beautiful woman on your shoulders.
It was dangerous,
Replied angrily the young monk.
The old one couldn't help but laugh and then replied,
It's true,
I took her,
But I left her on the riverbank,
Many leagues behind.
However,
It seems that you are still carrying her.
