This Week's Quote
Ikkyu, the Zen master, was very clever even as a boy.
His teacher had a precious teacup, a rare antique. Ikkyu happened
to break this cup and was greatly perplexed. Hearing the footsteps
of his teacher, he held the pieces of the cup behind him.
When the master appeared, Ikkyu asked: "Why do people have to die?"
"This is natural," explained the older man. "Everything has to die
and just so long to live." Ikkyu, producing the shattered cup, added:
"It was time for your cup to die."
From: Zen flesh, Zen bones. compiled by Paul Reps...#85 Time to Die...page 71
Ponder this.