A Story For Me on the Eve of My Birthday – Just Two Words

A STORY FOR ME ON THE EVE OF MY BIRTHDAY

Tomorrow is 12 September - my Birthday. 

Let me tell myself a story on the eve of my birthday.

The story is called “Just Two Words”

JUST TWO WORDS – Zen Story

There was once a monastery that had very strict rules.

All Monks were required to strictly follow a vow of silence. 

No one was allowed to speak at all.

But – there was one exception to this rule. 

After every 10 years – the Monks were permitted to speak just Two Words.

After spending his 10 ten years at the monastery – one young Monk was called by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk said to the young Monk: 

“It has been 10 years since you arrived here. What are the Two Words you would like to speak…?” 

“BED HARD…” said the young Monk.  

“I see...” said the Head Monk – without a trace of emotion.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

10 years later – the young Monk was again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have completed 20 years in the monastery. And – it has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. So – now – what are the Two Words you would like to speak…?”

“FOOD STINKS…” said the young monk. 

“I see...” the Head Monk said nonchalantly.

And – the Head Monk quietly walked away.  

Yet another 10 years passed – and – the young Monk was once again summoned by the Head Monk.

The Head Monk asked the young Monk: 

“You have now completed 30 years in the monastery. It has been 10 years since you spoke your last Two Words. What are your Two Words now – after these 10 years…?”

“I QUIT…” said the young Monk. 

“Well I can see why,” replied the Head Monk, “All you ever do is to carp and complain.” 

So – the moment I wake up early in the morning tomorrow – on my birthday – the first thing I am going to do – is to tell myself this story – and – I will carry this story in my mind forever – and remember it whenever I feel like cribbing and complaining.

Well – from now on I will try not to Crib, Carp, Moan, Groan or Complain.

I will always try to have a positive attitude and optimistic temperament. 

By the way – before I say Bye – let me tell you that – I knew a “Killjoy” Naval Officer whose entire “miserable” life in the Navy can be exemplified by this Zen story called TWO WORDS 

I am going Cheer Up and enjoy my Birthday

Dear Reader – you too Have a Good Day

And – Dear Friends – don’t forget to wish me a Happy Birthday