Not Zen 48: Doctor of Philosophy

A man lay on his deathbed, struck down by a fever. With his doctor and family around him, he complained about his pain and suffering. He expressed his regrets that he'd never spent time to become enlightened, although he'd always meant to devote himself more to religion.

“What has my life been about?” he wondered.

“We come into this world alone,” replied the doctor, who was a bit of a philosopher. “And alone we leave it. Between the entrance and the exit, we suffer hardships and cruelties, for such is the lot of a mortal life.”

“Is that all?”

“Nonsense,” said another voice. “You came into this world in good company. You're leaving it with friends and family all around. Doctors are idiots. That's why we have to die.”

“Yes, mother,” said the dying man. He laughed until he coughed.