Inch Time, Foot Gem

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen Teacher,
to suggest how he might pass the time.
He felt his days very long attending his office
and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others.

Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters
and gave them to the man:

"Not twice this day
Inch time foot gem."

(Commentary:
  This day will not come again.
  An inch of time is worth a foot of priceless gems)