An eager Zen student arrived at the temple. He sought out the Master and said: "I want to join your community and attain enlightenment. How long will it take me?"
"Ten years," the Master replied.
"How about if I really work hard, and double my efforts?"
"Then twenty years," the Master said.
"That's no fair! Why did you double it?"
After which the Master said: "In your case, I'm afraid it will be thirty years."
— Quoted in 2005 Zen Calendar, Workman Press
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