An aspiring monk was searching for a Guru. He went to a monastery and there his preceptor told him, "You can Study and Meditate here but we have one important rule that, all the students have to observe complete silence. You will be allowed to speak only once in one year time." The young monk agreed. After meditating, studying and practicing in silence for one long year the day came when the student could say any one thing or ask his one question. So the monk said, "The bed is too hard." Then he kept going for another one year with silent meditation and got the opportunity to speak once again. He said, "The food is not at all good." Twelve more months >of hard work and he got to speak again. Here are his words after 3 years of difficult spiritual practices, "I quit!!" The Master of the monastery quickly answered, "Good, anyway all you have been doing these Three years was nothing but complaining!" Although externally we seem to be silent, we remain busy with our internal dialogue of complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves. For most of us, this is the way of life . complaining, judging, blaming, feeling unfairly treated, disrespected, etc. etc… all the usual rubbish that the mind loves to chew on. The feeling of deep gratitude can arise only when we become aware of what existence is giving to us. In fact, we have nothing to give in return. We may not be worthy of it at all, we may not deserve it, still the flowers bloom, the sun rises, the moon shines, the stars twinkle and the clouds keep showering rains… The existence goes on giving, whether we take any note of it or not… It just showers on us… Our attitude towards life is our own choice. Whether we choose gratitude or complaint, that is exactly what life will reflect back to us. A complaining mind is never at peace!!
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