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 about what to do, or how to tell his master.
Hearing the footsteps of his teacher, the boy held the pieces of the cup behind him.
When the master appeared, Ikkyu asked, "Why do people have to die?"
"This is natural," the older man explained. "Everything has to die and has just so long to live."
Ikkyu held up the shattered cup for his master to see.
"It was time for your cup to die," Ikkyu said.
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