Laughing Buddha
Anyone walking around in any Chinatown in America sees statues of a fat fellow, the Laughing Buddha.
This character lived in the Zhou dynasty. He didn't call himself a Zen master or collect disciples. Instead he walked the streets with a big sack full of food, fruit, and pastries, which he gave to children on the streets. He developed quite a nursery school following.
Whenever he met a Zen student he would extend his hand and say: "Give me one coin." And if anyone asked him to return to a temple to teach, again he would also reply: "Give me one coin."
Once, while going about his day, handing out treats, another Zen master came across him and inquired: "What is the significance of Zen?"
He immediately plopped his sack down on the ground in silent answer.
"Then," asked the Zen master asked, "what is the actualization of Zen?"
At once the Happy Chinaman swung the sack over his shoulder and continued on his way.
dcj commentary: We go forth, then we return. May what we leave behind be sweet.