Two monks, belonging to a very strict Zen order, were out for a walk one day. It had rained very hard the night before, and the road was full of water puddles. Although their order allowed them to speak, it did restrict contact with outsiders, and especially forbade them to have any dealings with women.
After walking some way, the two monks found themselves facing a large puddle in the road, spanning the entire width of the road, and extending for several strides along it. By chance, a pretty girl had come across this puddle somewhat earlier, and was standing at the edge, not sure what to do. She was wearing fine clothes, which were sure to be ruined by the deep puddle. Without thought, one monk picked up the girl, and carried her across the puddle, and put her down at the other side. The girl said, “Thank you, kind monk,” and headed off down the road.
The two monks continued walking on the other side of the puddle, in silence. Finally, the second monk said to the first, “I can’t believe you picked up that girl in flagrant violation of our laws. You are sure to be punished.”
The first monk looked at his friend and said, “I put that girl down at the other side of the puddle. It looks like you are still carrying her.”