Koan Study: The Rules

A noted Zen Grand Master was visiting the temple. “Where are your books on Zen, Master Li?” he asked. Master Li said, “We threw them in the fire so we could be warm.” The Grand Master then asked, “Well then, where are your statues of Buddha”? Master Li responded, “We threw them in the fire so we could be warm.” The Grand Master became angry. “That is outrageous! Where are the list of rules I sent you to follow? Did you not receive them?” the Grand Master demanded. Master Li calmly said, “Yes we did get those, We used them to start the fire.”