The Parable of the Broken Cup

One day some people came to the master and asked, “How can you be happy in a world of such impermanence, where you cannot protect your loved ones from harm, illness and death?”

The master held up a glass and said “Someone gave me this glass, and I really like this glass. It holds my water admirably and it glistens in the sunlight. I touch it and it rings!

“One day the wind may blow it off the shelf, or my elbow may knock it from the table.

“I know this glass is already broken, so I enjoy it incredibly – every moment with it is precious.'"

~ Achaan Chah