The Thief Who Became a Disciple from Zen Parable

One evening as Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras (Buddhist

scriptures), a thief with a sharp sword entered, demanding either his

money or his life.

Shichiri told him: ‘Do not disturb me. You can find the money in that

drawer.’ Then he resumed his recitation.

A little while afterwards he stopped and called: ‘Don’t take it all. I

need some to pay taxes with tomorrow.’

The intruder gathered up most of the money and started to leave.

‘Thank a person when you receive a gift,’ Shichiri added. The man

thanked him and made off.

A few days afterwards the fellow was caught and confessed, among

others, the offence against Shichiri. When Shichiri was called as a witness

he said: ‘This man is no thief, at least as far as I am concerned. I gave him

the money and he thanked me for it.’

After he had finished his prison term, the men w