A lord asked Taku-An1, 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.
Taku-An wrote 8 Chinese letters 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.
Notes:
1. Taku-An