Two monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were once traveling together down a muddy road. It was raining heavily in those parts.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
“Come on, girl,” said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then, he could no longer restrain himself.
“We monks don’t go near females,” he told Tanzan, “especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?”
“I left the girl there itself,” said Tanzan. “Are you still carrying her?”
Source: http://www.101zenstories.org
Image: A postage stamp issued by Thailand in 2008 features the image of the Buddha at Wat Phra Chetuphon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) in Bangkok, As one of the largest temple complexes in the city, it is famed for its giant reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long, covered in gold leaf. Courtesy https://www.buddhiststamp.com/