ACCEPTANCE

A long, long time ago a woman called Sono lived in a little town in Japan.  Her devout heart and compassionate spirit had won her the respect and admiration of many followers, and fellow Buddhists often traveled long distances to seek her advice.  One day a weary traveler approached Sono to ask what he could do to put his mind at peace and his heart at rest.

Sono’s advice was simple and straightforward.  “In the morning and in the evening, whenever anything occurs to you, keep on saying, ‘Thanks for everything.  I have no complaints whatsoever.”

For an entire year the man faithfully followed her advice, repeating from morning until evening, “Thanks for everything, I have no complaints whatsoever.”  But still his mind was not at peace nor was his heart at rest. Thoroughly discouraged he again made the long journey to see Sono. 

“I’ve done everything you suggested,” he said, “but my mind is not at peace and my heart is not at rest.  Tell me—what should I do now?”

At once Sono replied, “Thanks for everything.  I have no complaints whatsoever.” Hearing these words, the traveler was enlightened and returned home, his mind at peace and his heart at rest.