Zen Story of the Day: Letting Go
Two monks were once traveling together down a muddy road as a heavy rain was falling. As they came around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash. Hesitant to pass through the mud and water, she asked if they could help her across. One of the monks hesitated. "Come on, girl," the other said at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud. She thanked him and departed.
As the monks continued on their way, the one was brooding and preoccupied. He did not speak until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then unable to hold his silence, he spoke out. "Brother, our spiritual training teaches us to avoid any contact with women, especially young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"Brother," the second monk replied, "I left the girl there. Why are you still carrying her?"