Time to Die

The Zen Master Ikkyū Sōjun (Japanese: 一休宗純, Ikkyū Sōjun)

Even as a young student, Ikkyū was known for his sharp mind.

His teacher owned a precious tea bowl, a rare and valuable antique.

One day, Ikkyū broke the bowl.

Hearing footsteps, he was startledand hid the broken pieces behind his back.

His teacher entered the room.

Ikkyū asked, “Master, why must people die?”

The teacher replied calmly, “It is natural.Everything must dieand lives only as long as it is meant to.”

Then Ikkyū brought out the broken bowl and said, “Then it was timefor your bowl to die.”