A presentation of the influence upon therapy, particularly Strategic Therapy of Zen Buddhism. Similarities between therapeutic change and spiritual enlightenment are discussed in terms of the relationship between Master and trainee and therapist and client. The use of directives, of riddles, of absurd tasks, and the types of single interventions and paradoxical procedures are discussed. Examples of cases and Zen stories are compared. Zen, systems theory, and Erickson's strategic therapy are brought together.