The zen master held the exquisitely crafted cup with affection. He used the cup umpteen times every day to drink tea. He also made it a point to proudly tell every visitor that it was a gift from his former disciple. Despite that, the master behaved strangely each time he took the cup out of the cupboard. He would look at the cup admiringly before saying, ‘This cup is already broken.’
Initially, the disciples found it extremely odd since the cup wasn’t broken. Also, why did he repeat the line every time he picked up the cup? Soon, the disciples dismissed it as yet another of his idiosyncrasies. They made sure not to touch the cup. The disciples assigned with the task of cleaning the master’s room would only dust other places, leaving the spot where the cup was kept. They knew the master kept it clean.
One day, they had a special visitor at the monastery. The visitor was also a zen teacher. However, he was different from the master. He was garrulous and made animated gestures with his hands. Also, he was a bit clumsy. The visitor, while admiring the master’s favourite cup during the break in their discussion, dropped it. Just as the cup landed on the floor and turned into innumerable pieces, blood drained out of everyone’s face. They had no idea of the master’s response. After all, it was no ordinary cup.
Even as the disciples and the visitors stood frozen in shock, the master went to the corner and picked up the broom. Then he swept the floor, collected the pieces, and threw them in the dustbin. He looked at the visitor and the disciples as if nothing had happened. Then he simply stated, ‘Okay, let’s resume our discussion.’
In theory, we’re all aware that everything—from our material possessions to our precious bodies—is perishable. Though this philosophy doesn’t penetrate deep into our psyche, as we cling on to everything and then lament the eventual loss. Let’s make an attempt and try to be prepared for any eventuality. Similar to what the zen master did with the cup, let’s do with our possessions. Let’s constantly remind ourselves that they are in an already broken state. For, no matter what, they eventually will be. With this simple reminder, life will go beyond emotional upheavals and turbulence caused by excessive attachment and help us attain a state of serenity.
