101 Zen Stories: Story # 9 : The Moon Cannot Be Stolen ??? Sharing the Innate Richness of Life

Ryokan, a Zen master, lived simply in a small hut at the foot of a mountain. One night, a thief broke in, only to find nothing to steal.

When Ryokan returned, he caught the thief. “You’ve come a long way, so you shouldn’t leave empty-handed,” Ryokan said kindly. “Please take my clothes as a gift.”

Bewildered, the thief took the clothes and hurried away.

Ryokan sat serenely under the moon, wearing nothing. “Poor fellow,” he reflected. “I wish I could give him this beautiful moon.”

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Tags: Life Richness