It was forbidden to talk in a monastery. The monks had to keep a vow of silence. However, every ten years, the monks were permitted to utter just two words. Thus, after ten years, the head monk allowed all the monks to say the two words. One monk said, “Bed hard.” “I see,” said the head monk. Another ten years passed. This time when his turn came, the same monk said, “Food stinks.” “Okay,” said the head monk. Again, another ten years passed. This time the same monk told the head monk, “I quit.” “I am not surprised,” said the head monk. “All you ever do is complain! You have wasted time just focusing on the negative aspects, and so you could never achieve a positive state of mind. You will always be miserable, because you only think of material pleasures.”
Moral: Focus on the good and not on the negative aspects of your life.
