The story is told of two monks – one young and the other old – walking through a forest in mediaeval France. Upon reaching a river, they encountered a shapely young maiden with golden hair stranded on the bank, unable to cross the river by herself. Without a moment’s hesitation the old monk lifted the young maiden into his arms and carried her across the river.
Miles later, as they continued their journey through the forest, the young monk confronted the old one. Recalling the incident with the girl at the river, the young monk confessed his utter disillusionment with his supposedly more experienced brother in religion. Complaining, the young monk asked in righteous indignation, “How could you, a religious bound by the vow of chastity, be so casual and unguarded in your contact with such a beautiful woman?”
The much wiser old monk responded calmly, “Yes, but I left her back there at the back of the river, while you are still carrying her with you”. |
