Zen conveys its essence through paradox, stories, and baffling questions like "What is the sound of one hand clapping." It aims to free us from our ordinary, limited mind.

   This book is an introduction to Zen and especially Rinzai Zen, the school which makes use of koans, or enigmatic ideas, to lead to enlightenment.

   Zen Flesh, Zen Bones consists of four parts. "101 Zen Stories" recounts actual Zen experiences, the "Gateless Gate" is a collection of mind problems leading to enlightenment, "Ten Bulls" is a commentary on the stages of awareness, and "Centering" is a pre-Zen work
which may be 4,000 years old.

   In one story in the book, a man named Shichiri is reciting sutras when he is interrupted by a sword-wielding thief. The thief demands, "Your money or your life." Shichiri tells the thief where to find his money, and tells him to leave enough so he can pay his taxes. As the thief leaves, Shichiri tells him to say thank you, which he does.

   When the thief is caught and confesses to this crime among others, Shichiri tells officials he is no thief, as least as far as he is concerned. "He asked for money, I gave it to him, and he thanked me for it."

   Later, according to the story, when the thief was released from prison, he returned to Shichiri and asked to be his disciple.

   There is also an audio version of the book read by Peter Coyote.

From Zen Flesh, Zen Bones:

--Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.

   The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. "It is overfull. No more will go in!"

   "Like this cup," Nan-in said, "you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"