A Zen master received a beautiful glass cup from a former student. He loved it, used it daily, and showed it to visitors. he would hold the cup in his hand and remind himself, “This cup is already broken.”

One day, a visitor knocked the cup from its shelf. It fell to the ground and broke into pieces. While others gasped, the master stayed calm. Smiling, he said, “Ah, yes, let’s begin,” picked up a broom, and started to sweep up the pieces.