December 26, 2011

Inch. Time. Foot. Gem: Today is My Birthday and for This Day I Am Deeply Grateful

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen Teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very long attending his office and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others.

Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters and gave them to the man:

Not twice this day

Inch time foot gem.

This day will not come again.

Each minute is worth a priceless gem.

Posted by gerardvanderleun at December 26, 2011 1:00 AM
Bookmark and Share

Comments:

HOME

"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

It's gonna be a good day.

Posted by: John Venlet at December 26, 2011 4:11 AM

Happy Day! Glad we're all here to see it.

Posted by: Joan of Argghh at December 26, 2011 4:36 AM

Happy birthday, Gerard!

Posted by: Andy at December 26, 2011 7:49 AM

Glad you hit the earth on this side of the fence, my friend. May we see many precious gems before you land on the other.

Posted by: Morgan K Freeberg at December 26, 2011 10:15 AM

Happy Birthday Gerard!

Posted by: RM at December 26, 2011 10:47 AM

Many more days to you, Gerard. Have the happiest of birthdays.

Posted by: Jewel at December 26, 2011 11:04 AM

Happy Birthday, Gerard. Especially sweet this year.

Posted by: Soviet of Washington at December 26, 2011 11:06 AM

Yes, a very happy Birthday to you!

Posted by: Julie at December 26, 2011 11:22 AM

Happy birthday, Gerard. Maine loves you. All fourteen of us.

Posted by: Sippican at December 26, 2011 1:21 PM

You are our gem.

Have the happiest of birthdays.

Posted by: Sara (Pal2Pal) at December 26, 2011 1:32 PM

May your day be filled with joy, and the coming year see all your birthday wishes reach reality!

Posted by: Guy S at December 26, 2011 2:11 PM

Happy Birthday. Thanks for sharing your perspective with us. We are better for knowing you.

Posted by: Scott M at December 26, 2011 2:24 PM

Congrats on your birthday-- and your effective rebirth. Glad you liked that video--

Posted by: Al Johnson at December 26, 2011 4:42 PM

Happy birthday; many happy and healthy returns of the day.

Posted by: M P Ryan at December 26, 2011 5:58 PM

Darling Gerard,
Happy Birthday, and please tell your Mom that I share in her joy.
Here's a little something for you.
http://www.jazzonthetube.com/

Posted by: Deborah at December 26, 2011 6:28 PM

Happy Birthday!

But--"Inch Time Foot Gem"? Come again?

Posted by: Jerry at December 26, 2011 6:28 PM

You're starting to cramp my mid-life cynism, Gerard! There's curiosity and there's wonderment but being grateful is an entirely different thing. Thank you for this reminder. I hope you had a beautiful birthday... like a beach.

Posted by: RedCarolina at December 27, 2011 2:03 PM

Happy Birthday Gerard. I second what Sara said.
Semper Gratis.

Posted by: M*A at December 28, 2011 7:46 PM

Happy Belated BD! I was away for a few days. MIL was in hospital the entire week of Christmas - thankful that she is home and mending nicely. Like you.

Next year's birthday will be even better!

Posted by: Obi's Sister at January 1, 2012 8:56 PM