Ling-chao Anticipates Her Father

Layman P'ang was about to die. He spoke to Ling-chao, saying: "See how high the sun is and report to me when it's noon."

Ling-chao quickly retorted: "The sun has already reached the zenith, and there's an eclipse."

While the Layman went to the door to look out, Ling-chao seated herself in her father's chair and, putting her palms together reverently, passed away.

The Layman smiled and said: "My daughter has anticipated me."

He postponed [his going] for seven days.

Commentary
Each of us will die. What are we holding onto?

Source: The Recorded Sayings of Layman P'ang, edited by Ruth Fuller Sasaki
Photo by Martin Junius