The head monk takes him in, and tells him “as a small respite, you will be given an opportunity to say exactly two words once every five years. I’ll keep track of it, but choose your words carefully.”

Five years later, the new monk is called into the head monk’s chambers to say his two words. The monk simply says “bed hard.” The head monk says “understood, I’ll see what we can do.”

Five more years pass. He is again called in, and says “food bland.” The head monk says “understood, I’ll see what we can do.”

Another five years pass in silence. When he is called in by the head monk, he calmly says “I quit.” The head monk replies “I’m not surprised. You’ve done nothing but complain since you joined.”