master cooked the meal himself and it was taking a
long time. Occasionally he would reappear and assure
his guest that the food was coming, but nothing
happened. Samurai were important people who were
used to deferential treatment. Eventually the nobleman
was hopping mad. Then, just as his temper was about
to overflow, the Zen master appeared with the food.
They ate and the samurai, who had calmed down by
now, complimented his host on the meal.
" Thank you, " replied the host, " all it takes is time. "