KOANS

zen comedy

The two Zen monks Tansan and Ekido traveled together and reached a ford. On the shore stood a beautiful young girl in a silk kimono. Apparently she was afraid to cross the river because it was being swept away by the heavy rains. Ekido quickly looked away. On the other hand, Tansan did not hesitate and wordlessly took the girl in his arms and carried her across the river. He placed it carefully on the other bank and the two monks continued their journey in silence. A quarter of an hour, half an hour, a full hour passed. At this Ekido blurted out, "What's gotten into you, Tansan! You've broken several monastic rules at once. How could you even notice that pretty girl, let alone touch her and carry her across the river?"