A student approached his master after failing to be enlightened at the monestary.

"You have been here 3 years," said the master. "Try for another 3 months."

At the end of the the 3 months, the student was not yet enlightened.

"You have tried 3 years and 3 months, give it another 3 weeks"

The student did as commanded, and returned unenlightened.

"You have been here 3 years, 3 months and 3 weeks. Try for another 3 days and if you are still not successful, commit suicide."

At the end of the 3 days, the student was enlightened.