Say Thanks!

Something interesting happened during lunch yesterday. =)

As per usual when i lunched at foodcourt in ST, i take vege food. It was no exception. Queued, picked my food, gave thanks to the auntie who arranged my food. Paid my dues to the young cashier lady and when she gave my change, i said thanks again.

To my surprise, she spoke. Please don't get the wrong idea but it's really because she's the quiet type and i don't recall her saying a single word to me or much to anyone else save the auntie. Haha, what came out of her mouth was really a surprise to me.

She said, "Do you have to say thanks everytime and at least once to each of us?" I replied to her that it is only nice to do so. She said, "Still, don't have to do it all the time.. and why?" "Why? Cos you are selling food to me and i'm thankful for that. Since without you, i will not be able to fill my stomach.", i said. Saying so, she gave me a "bewildered look" and went back going about her tasks.

In Zen context, there are 4 blessings that we should constantly reflect upon and be grateful. They are namely our parents, our country, all sentient beings and the triple gems. In Zen, we also encourage noble 8 fold path, they are namely, right view, right understanding, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

When we talk about the 4 blessings, we are actually touching on the subject of inter-being. That we cannot exist without each other, that we are all inter-dependent on one another. Without the auntie selling vege food, i will not be able to take vege food. This relates to gratefulness to the blessing of sentient beings. Furthermore, all practitioners are encouraged to take more vege food as to reduce the demand for meat. This will in turn reduce killings of livestock. This relates to the nble 8 fold path esp on the aspects of right view, right understanding and right action. =)

Hopefully in time to come, the young lady will one day appreciate the notion of inter-being and understand the intention behind my thanks! =) At the same time, i give thanks to you, my viewer for allowing me this chance to express my views to you! =)