There is an ancient parable about two monks. They are walking in silence when they see a young woman trying to cross a river with a strong current. She was frightened and asked if they could help her cross to the other side. The two monks glance at one another because they had taken vows not to touch a woman. Then, without a word, the older monk picks her up, carries her across the river through the dangerous current, and sets her down. The two monks continue to walk in silence for several hours. Finally, the younger monk breaks his silence: “You shouldn’t have done that because monks are not supposed to even touch a woman.” The older monk looked at him and replied, “Brother, are you still carrying that woman? I put her down hours ago.”
