When we recognise that everything we cherish is subject to change, gratitude deepens and sudden loss loses its power to disrupt our peace. Embracing impermanence frees us to treasure the present moment without clinging to what must eventually pass.
“A Zen master was given a beautifully crafted crystal cup. It was a gift from a former student.
He was very grateful. Every day, he enjoyed drinking out of his glass. He would show it to visitors and tell them about the kindness of his student.
But every morning, he held the cup in his hand for a few seconds and reminded himself: “This glass is already broken.”
One day, a clumsy visitor toppled the glass on its shelf. The cup fell down. When it hit the floor, it was smashed into thousands of tiny pieces.
The other visitors gasped in shock, but the Zen master remained calm. Looking at the mess in front of his feet, he said: “Ah. Yes. Let’s begin.”
He picked up a broom and started sweeping.”
Source: https://medium.com/
Image: Postage stamp of Korea (2011) on Amitabha Buddha. Courtesy: https://www.buddhiststamp.com/