The Zen master Ryokan lived a very simple life in a little hut at the foot of the mountain. One night, when the master was away, a thief broke into the hut only to discover that there was nothing to steal.

Ryokan returned and caught the burglar. "You have put yourself to much trouble to visit me," he said. "You must not go away empty-handed. Please take my clothes and blanket as a gift." The thief, quite bewildered, took the clothes and slunk off.

Ryokan sat down naked and watched the moon. "Poor fellow," he thought to himself, "I wish I could give him the gorgeous moonlight."

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