Story Summary
In The Thief Who Became a Disciple, a Zen master’s calm response to a robbery and his refusal to press charges leads to a criminal's spiritual transformation.
Shichiri Kojun was quietly reciting sutras when a thief broke into his quarters, brandishing a sharp sword and demanding his money. Without a hint of fear, Shichiri said, 'The money is in the drawer. Take what you need, but leave enough for me to pay my taxes tomorrow.' The thief, stunned by the master's composure, grabbed the coins. As he turned to leave, Shichiri called out, 'Don't you say thank you when you receive a gift?' The thief mumbled a quick thanks and fled into the night. Sometime later, the man was caught for other crimes and confessed to robbing the master. When the authorities brought him to Shichiri, the master refused to testify. 'I gave him the money,' Shichiri told the officials. 'He is no thief; he thanked me for the gift.' After the man served his sentence for his other misdeeds, he immediately sought out Shichiri and became his most devoted disciple, forever changed by the master's radical compassion.
The Moral
True kindness and a lack of attachment can transform even the hardest heart. Compassion is often a more powerful teacher than punishment.
“Don’t you say thank you when you receive a gift?”
Fun Fact
This story is a classic example of 'Upaya' or 'skillful means,' where a teacher uses an unconventional method to lead a student toward enlightenment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Thief Who Became a Disciple?
The story illustrates that radical compassion and non-attachment can inspire change in others. It teaches that treating everyone with dignity, even those who wrong us, has the power to transform their character.
Who was Shichiri Kojun?
Shichiri Kojun was a real Japanese Zen master known for his profound stillness and adherence to Buddhist principles. His actions in this story reflect the Zen virtue of seeing the Buddha-nature in everyone.
Why did the Zen master tell the thief to leave tax money?
This detail shows Shichiri's practical wisdom and lack of drama. By treating the robbery as a simple transaction, he stripped the thief of his power to intimidate and stayed focused on his own responsibilities.
Did the Zen master lie to the authorities?
From a Zen perspective, he did not lie because he genuinely viewed the money as a gift. By choosing to see the event through the lens of generosity rather than victimhood, he changed the reality of the situation.
What does the story teach about non-attachment?
It shows that Shichiri was not emotionally or spiritually bound to his material possessions. Because he didn't 'own' the money in his mind, he couldn't be 'robbed,' only given the opportunity to give.
How did the thief change at the end of the story?
The thief was so moved by the master's lack of resentment and his protective kindness that his worldview was shattered. This sparked a deep desire for atonement and spiritual growth, leading him to become a disciple.
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