Wasting breath

 　　Master Huiyun was a renowned monk during the Tang Dynasty, abbot of Ciyun Temple in Henan.

　　Later, he noticed that several traveling monks responsible for begging for alms were becoming increasingly lazy, spending their time frolicking and playing around instead of doing their proper duties. He decided to enlighten them, so Master Huiyun summoned his disciples to the Dharma Hall and asked, "Tell me, what is the purpose of your daily alms-begging?" "Master, it's to nourish our bodies and preserve our lives!" many disciples answered without hesitation. Master Huiyun, without comment, continued, "Then where is human life itself?"

　　"Life is among all things, generally lasting several decades!" one disciple answered eagerly. Master Huiyun shook his head and said, "You haven't understood the true nature of life." Another disciple said, "Master, I know that human life exists between the four seasons: spring and summer bring forth life, autumn and winter bring decay." Master Huiyun nodded slightly and said, "You've only perceived the brevity of life, but that's merely its appearance." The disciples

　　all frowned, searching for the answer to their master's question. Not long after, another disciple exclaimed, "I remember now! Human life depends on food, which is why we need to go begging for alms more often!" Master Huiyun smiled and said, "No, is living just about eating?" The disciples looked at each other blankly, utterly stumped by this seemingly simple question. At this moment, a young disciple, who was only responsible for blowing on the fire in the kitchen, timidly said, "Master, in my opinion, human life is probably just a breath!"

　　Master Huiyun nodded and said, "Exactly, life is just a breath. Breathing in and out is life; ceasing to breathe is death. Everyone inevitably stops breathing in the end. Only by seeing through life and death can one transcend oneself. Although you go out begging for alms every day, you don't know what the purpose of the alms you receive is. You spend your days playing and joking, unwilling to truly contemplate life. Aren't you wasting your breath?"

　　Upon hearing this, the disciples blushed with shame. From then on, in their spare time from begging for alms, they began to diligently meditate and contemplate Buddhism.