Two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were traveling together down a muddy road after a heavy rain. At a difficult crossing they met a young woman in a silk kimono who was unable to cross.
“Come on,” said Tanzan, lifting her in his arms and carrying her across.
The two monks walked on in silence for hours.
Finally Ekido could no longer contain himself. “We monks don’t go near women,” he said. “Especially not beautiful ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?”
Tanzan replied, “I left the girl there. Are you still carrying her?”
London, June 2026
