According to legend, God sent an angel to the Master with this message: “Ask for a million years of life and they will be given you. Or a million million. How long do you wish to live?”
“Eighty years,” said the Master without the slightest hesitation.
The disciples were dismayed. “But, Master, if you lived for a million years, think how many generations would profit by your wisdom.”
“If I lived for a million years, people would be more intent on lengthening their lives than on cultivating wisdom,” replied the Master.
Anthony de Mello
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Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher, writer and public speaker, De Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling, which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West.
Image: A postage stamp issued by Japan in 2002 features Yakushi Nyorai, “Buddha of Healing.” Yakushi-ji is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, that was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism. Courtesy https://www.buddhiststamp.com