Zen Stories

Stories from the Zen tradition get us to stop and think, wrestle with paradox, and often bring us much needed insight and laughter. We will be including some Zen stories in our blog occasionally. We hope you enjoy their rare humor and poignancy.

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. Hearing the footsteps of his teacher, he held the pieces of the cup behind him.

When the master appeared, Ikkyu asked, "Why do people have to die?" "This is natural," explained the older man. "Everything has to die and has just so long to live."

Ikkyu, producing the shattered cup, added, "It was time for your cup to die."