The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Post sayings or stories from Buddhist traditions which you find interesting, inspiring or useful. (Your own stories are welcome on DW, but in the Creative Writing or Personal Experience forums rather than here.)
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Ngawang Drolma
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Joined: Tue Apr 07, 2009 8:44 pm

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Post by Ngawang Drolma »

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal. Ryokan returned and caught him. "You may have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you shoud not return emptyhanded. Please take my clothes as a gift." The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away. Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow, " he mused, "I wish I could give him this beautiful moon."

-101 Zen Stories
White Lotus
Posts: 1333
Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:56 pm

Re: The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Post by White Lotus »

perhaps he already had it!
in any matters of importance. dont rely on me. i may not know what i am talking about. take what i say as mere speculation. i am not ordained. nor do i have a formal training. i do believe though that if i am wrong on any point. there are those on this site who i hope will quickly point out my mistakes.
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