A new koan: If you have some ice cream, I will give it to you. If you have no ice cream, I will take it away from you. It is an ice cream koan.

In a bizarre incident that has left many scratching their heads, a mysterious figure has been spotted roaming the streets, uttering a phrase that has been dubbed the "ice cream koan." The phrase, which goes like this: "If you have some ice cream, I will give it to you. If you have no ice cream, I will take it away from you," has been puzzling people of all ages, from children to elderly individuals.

Eyewitnesses claim that the figure, dressed in a simple white robe, approaches people at random and utters the phrase in a calm and composed tone. Some have reported feeling a sense of confusion and disorientation upon hearing the words, while others have become agitated and defensive. "It's like they're trying to mess with your mind," said one witness. "I mean, what kind of sense does it make to give someone ice cream if they already have it, or take it away from someone who doesn't have it in the first place?"

Despite the initial confusion, many have become fascinated with the ice cream koan, seeing it as a classic example of a Zen koan - a paradoxical statement designed to challenge one's perceptions and provoke new insights. "It's not about the ice cream itself, but about the way we think about it," said Dr. Jane Thompson, a philosophy professor at a local university. "The koan is highlighting the contradictions in our own thinking and encouraging us to question our assumptions."

Some have even begun to see the ice cream koan as a commentary on the state of modern society. "We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded with contradictory messages," said one observer. "On the one hand, we're told to be selfish and look out for ourselves. On the other hand, we're encouraged to be generous and give to others. The ice cream koan is a reflection of this paradox."

As the mysterious figure continues to roam the streets, spreading the ice cream koan to anyone who will listen, many are left wondering what the true meaning behind the phrase is. Is it a profound commentary on the human condition, or simply a clever play on words? One thing is certain - the ice cream koan has become a conversation starter, and its impact will be felt for a long time to come.

Meanwhile, ice cream sales have skyrocketed, as people seek to find comfort and meaning in the cold, creamy treat. "I guess you could say that the ice cream koan has been a blessing in disguise for us," said Tom Smith, owner of a local ice cream shop. "We've never sold so much ice cream in our lives!"

As for the mysterious figure, they remain at large, spreading their message to anyone who will listen. Some have begun to call them the "Ice Cream Sage," while others have dubbed them the "Frozen Prophet." Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain - the ice cream koan has left an indelible mark on the city, and its impact will be felt for a long time to come.