Zen Humor

A Zen student decided to live in a monastery that was known for its particularly tough standards. Among other austerities, a student can only have an interview with the Roshi once per year. On top of that, the student is only allowed to say two words during the interview.

So the end of the first year came, and the student went to see the Roshi. After bowing respectfully, the student said his two words: "Bad food." He then bowed again, and left the room.

After another year, the student went in for his second visit with the Roshi. He bowed, and then said his two words: "Hard bed." After bowing again, he left as before.

Then, at the end of the third year, the student had his next interview. This time he bowed and said simply: "I quit."

The Roshi looked at him in silence for a moment, and then said, "Well, I'm not surprised. You've done nothing but complain since you got here!"

Blessings,
Roger