Ryo-Kwan devoted his life to the study of Zen. One day he heard that his nephew, despite the admonitions of relatives, was spending his money on a courtesan. Inasmuch as the nephew had taken Ryo-Kwan's place in managing the family estate, and the property was in danger of being dissipated, the relatives asked Ryo-Kwan to do something about it.
Ryo-Kwan had to travel a long way to visit his nephew whom he had not seen for many years. The nephew seemed pleased to meet his uncle again, and invited him to remain overnight.
All night Ryo-Kwan sat in meditation. As he was departing in the morning he said to the young man, " I must be getting old, my hand shakes so. Will you help me tie the string of my straw sandal?"
The nephew helped him willingly. Thank you," finished Ryo-Kwan, "you see, a man becomes older and feebler day by day. Take good care of yourself." Then Ryo-Kwan left, never mentioning a word about the courtesan or the complaints of the relatives. But from that morning on the dissipations of the nephew ended.