Ryokan, a Zen master, lived a very simple life in a small hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening, a thief entered the hut only to discover there was absolutely nothing to steal. Ryokan returned and caught the man in the act. 'You may have come a long way to visit me,' Ryokan told the prowler kindly, '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 into the night. Ryokan sat naked, watching the luminous orb in the sky. 'Poor fellow,' he mused, 'I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon.'
True abundance is found in spiritual peace and the beauty of nature, which can neither be stolen nor owned.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Moon Cannot Be Stolen?
The moral is that material possessions are insignificant compared to the wealth of the spirit. It teaches that true beauty and enlightenment, like the moon, are universal and cannot be taken by force.
Who was Ryokan in this Zen story?
Ryokan Taigu was a historical Zen Buddhist monk who lived in 18th-century Japan. He was famous for his simple lifestyle, his poetry, and his profound compassion toward all living beings.
What does the moon symbolize in Zen Buddhism?
In Zen, the moon often symbolizes enlightenment, truth, and the Buddha-nature. It represents a reality that is accessible to everyone but cannot be possessed or manipulated.
Why did Ryokan give his clothes to the thief?
Ryokan gave his clothes to show compassion to the thief and to demonstrate his total lack of attachment to material things. He wanted the visitor to leave with something rather than feeling the shame of a failed robbery.
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Good night.
