A teacher sent two young monks to a nearby village to do some shopping. As these had never gone out into the outside world, he warned them that they would encounter dangers and temptations that they must know how to deal with correctly, especially those related to carnal matters.
Both young men set off, unaware of what could be found along the way. During the first two hours they met merchants, pilgrims ... until, when they reached a river, they heard a young girl in a half-torn dress crying on the shore. Both monks approached to see what was happening.
"I just fell down that slope and twisted my ankle." I don't have the strength to cross the river and get to my house across the street, can you help me get to the other side?
Without thinking, one of the monks took her in his arms and, to the amazement of his companion, began to cross the river with her on top.
After a few minutes he left her on the other bank and accompanied her to his house that was a few meters away. The young woman kissed him on the cheek in gratitude.
The monk crossed again to join his companion, but the latter, when he was next to him, began to reproach him for his behavior.
"You have carried a half-naked young girl in your arms, you are going to bear a great sin, we had been warned."
The hours passed and throughout the way back his partner did not stop reproaching him for what he had done.
As soon as they arrived at the monastery, he went to tell the teacher what had happened.
"Yes, yes, he took her in his arms and carried her to the other side!" He insisted.
"Well, at least he released the woman when he crossed the river, but you still carry her with you," replied the master.