One evening, Zen master Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras when a thief
entered his house with a sharp sword, demanding "money or life".
Without any fear, Shichiri said, "Don't disturb me! Help yourself with
the money, it's in that drawer". And he resumed his recitation. The thief
was startled by this unexpected reaction, but he proceeded with his business
anyway. While he was helping himself with the money, the master stopped and
called, "Don't take all of it. Leave some for me to pay my taxes tomorrow".
The thief left some money behind and prepared to leave. Just before he left,
the master suddenly shouted at him, "You took my money and you didn't even
thank me?! That's not polite!". This time, the thief was really shocked
at such fearlessness. He thanked the master and ran away. The thief later told
his friends that he had never been so frightened in his life.
A few days later, the thief was caught and confessed, among many others, his
thieft at Shichiri's house. When the master was called as a witness, he said,
"No, this man did not steal anything from me. I gave him the money. He
even thanked me for it." The thief was so touched that he decided to repent.
Upon his release from prison, he became a disciple of the master and many years
later, he attained Enlightenment.
Zen Flesh, Zen Bones; Paul Reps; 1961? Doubleday Anchor Books, New York