The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

A thief entered the little hut of a Zen Master,

but discovered there was nothing to steal.

The Zen Master discovered the thief.

"You have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler,

"and you should not return empty-handed.

Please take my clothes as a gift."

The thief was bewildered,

but he took the clothes and slunk away.

The Zen Master sat naked, watching the moon.

"Poor fellow," he mused,

"I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon.

- Traditional Zen Koan