It’s said a Buddhist Lama and his student arrived at a stream where, afraid to cross, a girl stood. The old man took the young woman into his arms and carried her to the opposite shore.
That evening, as they ate their rice the novice spoke, “Master, I have a question.”
Placing his bowl in his lap, the Lama replied, “What is your question?”
“We are instructed,” the lad hesitated, “never to touch a woman. You carried the girl across the stream. Please explain.”
The Master’s gazed rested on the campfire. The hint of a smile. “I left the girl at the stream. You are still carrying her.”
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