Category: Classic Zen

A wealthy old man went to the master and said, “I only have a few more years to live. I would like to give my children and their children some wise words that they can live by for many years to come. Please, can I ask you to write some words on this parchment that I may frame it to serve as a reminder for them?”

The master took the paper and wrote, “Grandfather dies. Father dies. Son dies.” He handed the paper back to the old man.

The old man read the words and was livid. “What is the meaning of this? I wanted you to write something to enlighten us, not to insult us!”

The master explained, “My good sir, that is not an insult. Should your son die before you, you will be very sad. Should his son, your grandson, die before the two of you, then two of you will be mad with grief. But if you pass away in the order that I have written, then you will only have followed the natural order of things and you should consider yourselves fortunate and happy.”

The merchant Umeza decided to donate some money to the master Seietsu so that he could build a bigger school.

Umeza brought a bag full of coins and placed it before Seietsu, who was meditating. “This is for you to build a new school,” he said.

Seietsu opened his eyes, nodded, and went back to his meditations.

Umeza was a bit perturbed and he remarked, “There is enough money there to pay a year’s wages for 50 men.”

Seietsu opened his eyes and said, “So do you want me to thank you?”

Umeza said, “Well, isn’t it the least I should expect?”

Seietsu said, “Why should I? The giver should be thankful.” And he resumed his meditation.