This is one of my favorite parables. It is the story of two monks, a lady, and a river. My buddy Ivano told it to me a long, long while back. There are many versions of this story and the versions cross religions and cultures. Here is a version that is closest to the way I remember Ivano telling it to me...

A senior monk and a junior monk were traveling together. At one point, they came to a river with a strong current. As the monks were preparing to cross the river, they saw a very young and beautiful woman also attempting to cross. The young woman asked if they could help her.

The senior monk carried this woman on his shoulder, forded the river and let her down on the other bank. The junior monk was very upset, but said nothing.

They both were walking and the senior monk noticed that his junior was suddenly silent and inquired "Is something the matter, you seem very upset?"

The junior monk replied, "As monks, we are not permitted to touch a woman, how could you then carry that woman on your shoulders?"

The senior monk replied, "I left the woman a long time ago at the bank, however, you seem to be carrying her still."

I hope you like this story as much as I do. I was reminded of this story because of something that is going on in my life right now and I think the lesson taught in this parable is applicable to the situation.