One important gentleman asked Master Takuan to advise him on how best to spend his time. He felt that his days were absorbed in his institution and he was constantly trying to sit still in order to win the respect of others, while his life became more and more bleak.
Takuan silently wrote 8 Chinese characters and gave them to the man:
“This day will not happen twice. A moment is more valuable than treasures. This day will not come again. Every minute is a priceless treasure."
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru