Previous Stories
The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 cups of coffee...
A Young Man, an Old Man, and a Drunk
Matajuro and the Art of the Sword
Ninjai - The Little Ninja
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Stories
Life Lessons in the Martial Arts
Throughout the year, we will be adding stories pertaining to the nature of Martial Arts philosophy and practice.
This Month's Story: Just Two Words
There once was a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak at all. But there was one exception to this rule. Every ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words.
After spending his first ten years at the monastery, one monk went to the head monk. "It has been ten years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Bed... hard..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Ten years later, the monk returned to the head monk's office.
"It has been ten more years," said the head monk. "What are the two words you would like to speak?"
"Food... stinks..." said the monk.
"I see," replied the head monk.
Yet another ten years passed and the monk once again met with the head monk who asked, "What are your two words now, after these ten years?"
"I... quit!" said the monk.
"Well, I can see why," replied the head monk. "All you ever do is complain."
The Moral of the Story
One should endeavor to be as deliberate with their words as they are in their actions.
- Study this