"Some years ago, a Zen student was sitting with his teacher when the teacher received a much anticipated letter from an old friend. Knowing his teacher had been waiting a long time for the letter and must have been very eager to read its contents, the student started to excuse himself.
" 'Stop,' the teacher boomed. 'Please stay. I will open the letter later.'
" 'Don't you want to open the letter now?' the student inquired, surprised. 'I know how long you've waited for this letter, and news from your friend is right there in the envelope.'
" 'Yes,' said the teacher, 'I have waited long, but I cannot open the letter until I have conquered the haste I feel. Once that has run its course, I will open it.' "
